By Beatrice Gondyi Yola
Emergency response to assist the victims of devastating flood which ravaged parts of Yola South local government following torrential downpour in the wee hours of Sunday, is being headed by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Chairman of the APC stakeholders forum in Yola South, Ahmed Yusuf Abubakar, aka Baba Sarki said, disclosed that critical stakeholders of the party have swung into action to alleviate the suffering of the victims.
“The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has led the charge for emergency relief package for the victims and has already instructed that essential relief materials be procured for immediate distribution today,” he said.
He also revealed that Comrade Mustapha Salihu, the APC national vice chairman North East has also directed the procurement and distribution of relief package before nightfall on Sunday too
“Comrade Mustapha Salihu is deeply concerned and has directed immediate action. His leadership and commitment are helping us move swiftly to ease the suffering of our people,” Baba Sarki said.
In the same vein the APC organizing secretary, Mustapha Atiku Ribadu as well as Umar Marafa have also contributed N1m each to facilitate the humanitarian efforts.
“We met this morning to appraise the damage and agreed that our first priority is to secure temporary accommodation for those affected.
“We are in touch with the Yola South Local Government Authority, the Adamawa State Government, and the Federal Government. But while we wait for broader interventions, we are taking immediate steps to provide relief,” he said.
According to Baba Sarki, the group has identified seven locations in the local government that were severely affected by the flood and require urgent assistance.
The emergency response plan, he revealed, includes the distribution of food items, mattresses, mats, cooking oil, and other basic necessities to these areas.
“In each of the seven identified locations, we are sending at least 100 bags of rice, along with mattresses, mats, and cooking essentials. We want to make sure people have something to sleep on and something to eat,” he emphasized.
He noted that the effort is being coordinated in close collaboration with local traditional institutions, including district heads and ward heads, to ensure equitable and effective distribution of the relief materials.
“The community leaders are key to this effort. They know the people, and they know the terrain. We’re working with them closely to ensure no one is left out,” he added.
He noted that the flood has claimed no fewer than nine lives, including two children, displaced hundreds others and destroyed several homes and properties.
Our reporter revealed that many victims have been forced to take refuge in makeshift shelters, schools, and homes of relatives.
Baba Sarki further called on philanthropic individuals, corporate organizations, and humanitarian agencies to support the effort and help cushion the impact of the disaster on affected families.
“We are appealing to all well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of Yola South residents. This is not just a government issue, it’s a collective humanitarian responsibility,” he noted.
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