By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Vice President Kashim Shettima has on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Maiduguri to sympathize with millions of people who were displaced following the devastating flood disaster that ravaged the entire City on Tuesday.

Likewise, Governor Babagana Zulum who was outside the country cut short his official visit to Maiduguri where he visited some of the camps hosting the victims, including the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi whose palace was also submerged.

This is as hundreds of inmates at the Old Maiduguri Prison were relocated to New Maximum Prison opposite 7Div, Nigerian Army, Maimalari Cantonment for safety, as the old prison was also submerged.

But unconfirmed report also indicated that the Old Prison witnessed a jailbreak during the flooding, before other inmates were evacuated by security agencies.

Addressing thousands of the victims taking refuge at Bakassi IDP camp, Senator Shettima enjoined the victims to take what befell them as the act of God.

He then directed authorities of NEMA, NEDC, National Refugees Commission among other stakeholders in his entourage to collaborate with Borno State Government under the leadership of Governor Zulum to immediately provide relief items to the affected population.

“I am here under the directive of Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sympathise with you over the unfortunate incident. I want to commend you for the good conduct despite your predicaments.

” I want to assure you that government will not forsake you as I have directed all relevant agencies of government such as NEMA, NEDC, National Refugees Commission among others to provide relief materials to cushion your immediate hardship”. Shettima stated.

The VP in company of the governor among other dignitaries were ferried in a military truck to gain access to Shehu of Borno whose palace was consumed by the disaster and offered sensational sympathy to the Emirate Council.

Shettima while addressing the Borno Monarch said: “We are here at the palace to sympathize with you and the Emirate over the unfortunate incident.

” The Federal Government has approved 50 trucks of rice which is now on the way to Maiduguri for onward distribution for the victims”. Shettima told the Monarch.

Responding, the Shehu thanked President Bola Tinubu, his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima and Governor Zulum for the timely sympathy visit.

He appealed to the Government to set up a committee of Engineers who would provide a lasting solution to flooding, as the engineers who claimed to have executed works regarding drainages and water channels in the state did a poor job.

At the Maiduguri President fleet, NAF Base, Shettima granted an interview with Journalists where he reiterated that “We are here on the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assure the Government and people of the state, especially the victims to mobilize all resources needed to cushion the immediate hardship such as provide shelter and other means of livelihood of the affected population. We will soon visit Bayelsa, Niger, and other states affected by flood disaster to provide the needed support as well”.

Governor Zulum who earlier visited Gomari Airport Primary and Secondary School, Bakassi camp, Shehu of Borno’s palace among other places sympathized with the victims, even as he promised them that the government would give the victims maximum support and relocate back to their houses as the situation improves.

The VP who could not have access to his Maiduguri Residence due to the flood has since returned to Abuja.

Amongst the entourage of the VP were Director Generals of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, NEDC Goni Alkali, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, Senator representing Borno Central and North, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, member House of Representatives, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area, Hon. Kadiri Rahis, and Hon. Ahmed Satomi.

Meanwhile, Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume in a press statement sympathized with all victims, and prayed Allah (God) to prevent further occurrence.