The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has described last week’s flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as one tragedy too many coming at a time Nigerians are grappling to survive current economic reforms of the Federal Government.
The apex Islamic body in Nigeria, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, stated this in a release signed by its Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Salisu Shehu made available to Sunday Tribune in Abuja.
The NSCIA, which stated that it was disturbed by the unfortunate development, sympathised with the Borno Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar ibn Garbai Elkanemi and people of the state.
“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni is particularly disturbed by the Maiduguri flood which has displaced almost the whole Maiduguri metropolis, claimed several lives, left many injured, and destroyed billions of naira worth of property.
“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 to 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, CFR, 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,” it stated.
While calling on both the Federal Government and the Borno State government to deploy all machineries to ensure that the disaster is efficiently managed, the NSCIA called on governments at all levels to put in place necessary measures to avert a recurrence of such incidents.
According to the Islamic body, “We, however, wish to implore them to further deploy all their machineries, particularly the entire emergency management agencies and most importantly the Northeast Development Commission 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.”
It further noted that “our collective support and solidarity would go a long way in alleviating their sufferings caused by the flood disaster” and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the disaster and for quick recovery of the injured.
“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.”
