The Adamawa government has refuted allegations of improper handling of Sunday’s flood that claimed lives and damaged property in the state.

The disaster, which affected communities in the state capital, Yola, led to the death of some people, now put at five, with several others injured, in Yola South Local Council.

Some persons, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had reportedly blamed the devastation on the state government, questioning the prevention and mitigation measures put in place by the government.

In a statement by Humwashi Wonosikou, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, the government countered claims, including one made by Atiku, that it was unprepared for the flood and was inactive when the incident occurred.

The administration highlighted its investments in flood mitigation infrastructure, including storm drains and waterways, aimed at reducing the state’s vulnerability to flooding.

“We take exception to any insinuation that the Fintiri administration neglected the people,” the statement read, citing how the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, immediately mobilised relevant agencies, including marine police, to the affected areas.

The government added that the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency was quick in delivering urgent relief materials, especially to displaced families.
THE development came as President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) commiserated with the people over the disaster.

The Nigerian leader also condoled with the victims of the boat mishap in Guni village, Niger State.

The President said that while flooding is a global phenomenon caused by climate change, citizens should not engage in activities that further compound the problem.

He commended the bravery of Adamawa and Niger states’ Emergency Management Agencies, local divers, volunteers, and community leaders assisting in search and recovery efforts.

Tinubu expressed concerns that despite enlightenment efforts by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), these incidents have continued to happen, calling on opinion leaders and relevant authorities to continue their advocacy on safety on the waterways.

He urged citizens and entrepreneurs using the waterways as a means of livelihood to ensure strict adherence to safety measures advocated by the regulatory authorities to put a stop to this needless loss of lives.

The NGF, in a statement yesterday by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, said it would complement the efforts of the Adamawa government in donating palliatives to the survivors.

It commended the officers and men of the Nigerian Army and the police for their swift responses to the emergencies.

AbdulRazaq said: “The NGF is saddened by reports of heavy flooding in Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas, Adamawa State, with reported loss of lives, properties, and displacement of residents.

“The Forum identifies with the people and government of Adamawa State under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as the state mobilises resources to mitigate the effects of this incident.”