The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), on Sunday called for urgent humanitarian intervention for Nigeria’s flood disaster affected communities nationwide.
This is contained in a statement by Prof. Khalid Aliyu, the JNI Secretary-General, issued to newsmen in Kaduna.
Aliyu said, JNI under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, is disturbed by the loss of lives and property occasioned by devastating floods in Nigeria.
According to him, the Sultan therefore extends his deepest condolences and heartfelt commiserations to all those affected by the recent floods that ravaged several states in Nigeria.
He said: “The tragic loss of lives, displacement of millions, and destruction of property is heartrending and calls for urgent humanitarian support.
“JNI stands in solidarity and prayers with the governments and people of the states mostly affected by the floods.
“As witnessed from the media reportage, the Maiduguri flood stood-out and was horrific, thus, it calls for sympathetic gestures, support from well-meaning Nigerians and the world, as well as special prayers to end the sufferings of the victims.
“The Maiduguri earth-shattering flooding, which resulted from Alau Dam breach, was reported to have claimed over thousands of lives and still counting, leaving countless others injured and in dire need of humanitarian assistance,” he said.
The Monarch explained that the impact of the floods was felt across the nation, with states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano, Zamfara, Kogi, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi, Taraba, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, among others also suffered varying degrees of damage.
“The JNI particularly extends its condolences to the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-kanemi, and all the Emirates so affected.
“We also pray for the quick recovery of those injured and displaced, and for the immediate restoration of livelihoods in the affected communities.
“We implore the well-to-do individuals, philanthropists, local and international humanitarian organisations, and all Nigerians of goodwill to extend their hands of support to the affected states, areas and communities,” he pleaded.
He observed that the magnitude of the disaster required a united and compassionate response.
”Donations both in cash and kind, will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the affected population, which will also facilitate their return to normalcy by God grace.
“We urge mosques, religious bodies, and civil society organisations to spearhead community-based support systems and engage in relief efforts.
“We encourage strongly that the Borno State Flood Disaster Relief Account with Zenith Bank, Account Number 1313556361 be used for cash donations to the Maiduguri flood victims, please,” he said.
He appealed to Federal Government of Nigeria to identify flood endangered locations also known as flood-prone zones and publicise them among the citizens, for safety and precautionary measures.
“As well as prioritise the construction and reinforcement of dams in Nigeria, especially life threatening dams.
“The implementation of flood control mechanisms, and the establishment of early warning and early response systems in vulnerable regions should be adequately put in place,” he said.
According to him, as Nigeria passes through these challenging times, citizens should repent and turn to God Almighty, the ultimate source of relief, for His mercy and protection.
“We beseech Him to ease the suffering of the affected, restore peace and stability to the devastated regions, and provide succour to the nation as a whole.
“We are confident that, with collective efforts, compassion, and proactive governance, we can overcome this disaster and rebuild stronger communities,” he prayed.
He assured the readiness of JNI to continue to offer its assistance, prayers, and advocacy for the wellbeing of the Nigerian populace.
