Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday constituted an 11-member committee to demarcate boundaries and regulate development along riverbanks in Maiduguri, the state capital and its environs.
Speaking in Maiduguri, Zulum noted that the committee is part of efforts to address the recent devastating floods in the state.
He attributed the disaster to encroachment on riverways and vowed to demolish houses built or rebuilt on riverbanks, whether before or after the flooding.
Compensation will not be paid to those who intentionally build houses on waterways, as stipulated in the Land Act.
According to Zulum, represented by Executive Secretary of Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), Engr. Adam Bababe, “Building on riverbanks worsens flooding.” Zulum warned residents to stop rebuilding their houses on waterways.
The committee’s objectives include reviewing current buffer zones along the riverbanks of Rivers Yedzaram and Ngaddabul, updating them based on reality, identifying developments within the zones, producing detailed plans for executive approval, and recommending measures to protect and plan along the rivers.
The committee members are Liman Gana Mustapha, Amshi Alhaji Bukar, Mohammed Garba Yimir, Babagana Bunu, Mustapha Dalarambe, Abdulrahman Mohammed, Hamma Julde, Halima Abatcha, Mohammed Almaki, ASP Abba Bukar, and Modu Usman Chiroma, who serves as Survey General member. They have a two-week deadline to submit their report.
Governor Zulum appealed to Maiduguri residents to cooperate with the committee, stressing that community collaboration is crucial for safeguarding the city against future floods.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Biden thanks Tinubu for release of Binance executive, Gambaryan
