Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari visited Borno and Jigawa states on Tuesday to offer condolences following two separate disasters that claimed hundreds of lives.
By Chimezie Godfrey
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari visited Borno and Jigawa states on Tuesday to offer condolences following two separate disasters that claimed hundreds of lives.
His visit comes after devastating floods in Borno and a tragic petroleum tanker explosion in Jigawa, which together left nearly 200 people dead while he was outside the country.
During his visit to Borno, Buhari expressed his sorrow over the unprecedented damage caused by what has been described as the worst flooding the state has seen in decades.
Reflecting on his past as a former military governor of the now-divided North-Eastern State, he said, “We engaged in prayers for rain. Now, we are having the irony of the state being overwhelmed by rain.”
Buhari attributed the flood disaster to the effects of climate change, acknowledging the role of unpredictable weather in exacerbating the situation.
He praised the joint efforts of both state and federal governments in addressing the crisis, stating that although he had sent a delegation during his absence, he felt compelled to visit in person to fully sympathize with the people.
Borno State Governor, Professor Umara Babagana Zulum, along with the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi, expressed their gratitude for what they called a “historic visit.” They emphasized Buhari’s longstanding commitment to the state, noting, “Without the 85 megawatts captive power plant you built here, Maiduguri would have continued in darkness. You gave us the North East Development Commission, a military university, a federal polytechnic, and a college of education and ensured the gradual return of peace after years of Boko Haram terrorism.”
In Jigawa, Buhari visited Rasheed Shekoni University Teaching Hospital in Dutse, where survivors of the tanker explosion remain hospitalized. The explosion, which has already claimed over 180 lives, shocked the state. Buhari joined the acting governor of Jigawa, Engineer Aminu Usman, in prayers for the victims and wished those injured a swift recovery.
Expressing his deep sympathy, Buhari lamented the tragic loss of life and commended the state’s efforts in providing care for the survivors.
The acting governor thanked Buhari for his visit and his generous donation to support the victims, emphasizing the importance of his gesture during this difficult time.
