The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has expressed concern over the Maiduguri flood with a call on the private sector, international humanitarian and donor agencies to come to the aid of the people by providing relief materials and services.
The organisation led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said the flood has displaced almost the whole Maiduguri metropolis, claimed several lives, left many injured and destroyed property worth billions of Naira.
The NSCIA in a statement by its Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu titled, “The Maiduguri Flood: A Tragedy Too Many”, said a collective support and solidarity would go a long way in alleviating their sufferings caused by the flood disaster.
He said, “This unfortunate development happening at a time when Nigerians generally are grappling to survive, owing to the effect of the current economic reforms by the federal government, is a tragedy too many. The Council hereby conveys its heartfelt sympathy to His Excellency, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Umar ibn Garbai Elkanemi, and the good people of Borno State on this horrible and tragic incident.
“May Allah give you the fortitude to bear this monumental trial. The Council hereby commends the efforts and the empathy of the Federal and Borno State governments on the matter. We, however, wish to implore them to further deploy all their machineries, particularly the entire emergency management agencies and most importantly the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to ensure that this disaster is efficiently managed to reduce the sufferings of the thousands of the victims.
“Also, governments at all levels should put in place necessary measures to avert the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents.
“The Council equally calls on the private sector organizations and institutions, all local and international humanitarian and donor agencies and all well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the people of Maiduguri by providing relief materials and services.
“Our collective support and solidarity would go a long way in alleviating their sufferings caused by the flood disaster. While condoling with the government and people of Borno state over this unfortunate incident, the Council prays that Almighty Allah should repose the souls of the departed and grant the injured quick recovery.
“It also prays that Allah would replenish those who have lost their wealth and property.
At the end, we wish to remind our brothers and sisters with the verse below: And surely, we shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops, but give glad tidings to the steadfast. Who say, when a misfortune striketh them: Lo! We are from Allah and lo! Unto Him we are returning.”