Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has vowed to implement urgent and lasting solutions to the persistent flooding in Yola South Local Government Area, which has claimed at least 23 lives and displaced hundreds.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities on Monday, Gov. Fintiri sympathized with displaced residents currently housed in temporary camps and assured them of swift government action.
“The situation is a very sorry one, and our hearts go out to the families affected,” the governor said.
“We will not fold our arms. This administration is committed to ending the yearly cycle of flooding that continues to displace our people.”
To address the crisis, Gov. Fintiri announced the formation of a technical committee involving the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA).
The committee, he said, will examine the root causes of the flooding and propose sustainable solutions to prevent future occurrences.
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The governor also dismissed widespread reports linking the floods to a dam allegedly built for illegal mining, attributing the disaster instead to human activities such as unregulated construction on floodplains and blocked drainage systems.
“Let it be known that illegal structures and poor urban planning are largely responsible for the severity of the flooding,” he stated.
“People building on water paths and obstructing natural drainages have created this hazard, and it will no longer be tolerated.”
Gov. Fintiri emphasized that his administration will strictly enforce environmental regulations, demolish illegal structures, and enhance drainage infrastructure to safeguard lives and property.
“This government will not allow any individual’s negligence or greed to endanger entire communities,” he said.
“We will act swiftly and decisively to restore safe living conditions for our people.”