Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has vowed to take urgent and lasting action to curb the recurring flood crisis in Yola South Local Government Area, where at least 23 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds displaced.
Governor Fintiri made the pledge on Monday during an assessment visit to flood-ravaged communities, where he met with displaced residents currently sheltering in temporary camps.
Describing the situation as deeply tragic, Fintiri assured victims that his administration would not relent until sustainable solutions are implemented.
“Our hearts go out to the families affected,” he 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 disaster, the governor announced the formation of a technical committee comprising officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA). The committee is tasked with investigating the root causes of the floods and recommending long-term mitigation strategies.
Fintiri also addressed circulating reports blaming the disaster on an alleged illegal mining dam. He dismissed the claims, pointing instead to human-induced issues such as construction on waterways and blocked drainage systems.
“Illegal structures and poor urban planning are largely responsible for the severity of the flooding,” he said. “People building on water paths and obstructing natural drainages have created this hazard, and it will no longer be tolerated.”
The governor said his government would enforce environmental laws, remove illegal structures, and upgrade drainage infrastructure to prevent future disasters.
“This government will not allow any individual’s negligence or greed to endanger entire communities,” Fintiri stated. “We will act swiftly and decisively to restore safe living conditions for our people.”