Borno dam collapse: Publicise measures to forestall recurrence, Youth Party urges FG

The Youth Party has asked the Federal Government to publicise measures being taken to forestall the recurrence of the recent flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, adding that the incident was due to a lack of maintenance culture in the country.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Adio, the party urged both the state and federal governments to devise solutions to address the suffering of the people.

It will be recalled that on September 9, 2024, a disastrous flood overwhelmed Maiduguri following the rupture of Alau Dam, leading to roads being washed away, houses being submerged, and animals in the zoo being lost, along with the escape of prisoners from the correctional centre.

The Youth Party, in its statement, attributed the disaster to the government’s usual failure to maintain its infrastructure, expressing sympathy for the victims and the people of Maiduguri in general.

The party urged the government to implement quick interventions and involve the people in its execution, adding that “the collapse of the dam was completely avoidable.”

“The incident represents a failure in governance at all levels since the floods had hitherto been predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA); yet no concrete preemptive action or flood management plan was put in place to safeguard lives and property.

“Nigerians are tired of government excuses and futile attempts to fortify the damaged dam. We call on all the government agencies responsible for providing quick intervention in times of such emergencies to swing into action for the sake of the affected people,” it added.

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