The catastrophe has displaced over a million people, leaving children and families trapped in their homes as the flooding spread uncontrollably.
While initial reports attributed the flooding to the collapse of the Alau Dam, the Federal Government said the overflow of the Ngadda River was the primary cause, not the dam failure.
Experts had long warned of the potential dangers posed by the Alau Dam, which had suffered cracks and erosion for years due to neglect.
However, in a statement yesterday, NAS, through its Cap’n, Dr. Joseph Oteri, condemned the government’s insufficient response to these disasters.
According to Oteri, despite repeated warnings and calls for action, nothing substantial was done to prevent the crisis in Borno.
He noted that neglecting critical infrastructure like the Alau Dam only exacerbates a dire humanitarian situation in a region plagued by food insecurity and conflict.
“The failure to take preventive action has deepened the suffering of an already vulnerable population. Over a million people have been affected, and the flood has worsened the food insecurity in Borno, which serves as a key hub in the conflict-stricken North-East.
“In addition to the Maiduguri floods, the Minister of Water Resources has sounded an urgent alarm about impending severe floods in the Niger Delta region and other southern states. As water levels on the Niger and Benue rivers continue to rise, the Minister stressed that the red alert should be taken seriously.”
In response to the growing risk of widespread flooding, the Federal Government last week approved N3bn allocation to each state for disaster management and flood relief.
However, NAS expressed concerns that these funds could be misappropriated or diverted for other uses, as has often been the case with disaster relief funds.
He lamented that disasters always leave a sour taste for all, stressing that the escaped inmates of the Maiduguri correctional centre will add to the security challenges in an area already bedevilled with insecurity.
Oteri emphasised that greater transparency and accountability are crucial to ensuring these funds are used effectively to address the challenges ahead.
“Disaster preparedness must be prioritised, and funds allocated for relief efforts must be managed judiciously,” Oteri stated. “There is no room for corruption or mismanagement when lives and livelihoods are at stake.”
NAS called on residents in flood-prone areas to heed evacuation warnings and relocate early.
The association highlighted the dangers of ignoring red alerts issued by authorities, stressing that early action could prevent the loss of lives and property.
