Borno State Emergency Management Agency (sema) Distributes Relief Materials For Victims Of Fire Disaster In Gubio, Marte Lgas

By Ahmed Abu, The Nigerian Voice, Maiduguri

Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on Saturday distributed relief materials worth millions of naira to 235 households/victims affected by fire disaster in Ngetra and Zowa wards of Gubio and Muna Bunkuri camp of Marte Local Government Areas.

Flagging off the distribution of the relief items at SEMA Central stores in Maiduguri, the Executive Chairman SEMA Borno State, Hajjya Yabawa Kolo sympathized with victims of the inferno, and pledged state government's determination to assist in whatever capacity to the victims to cushion their hardships.

It will be recalled that in the last two weeks, there have been incidences of fire outbreak in five Local Government Areas of Nganzai, Gubio, Marte, Magumeri and Monguno Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs camps leaving over 13 people dead.

The SEMA, Chairman, Hajiya Yabawa Kolo said the State Government in collaboration with National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Presidential Committee on North East Initiatives (PCNI) have provided enough relief items for the victims of disaster, particularly IDPs who are taking refuge at designated resettlement camps across the state.

Her words: "We are gathered here to witness the official launching/handing over of relief items to the Caretaker Chairmen of Gubio and Marte, Hon. Zanna Modu and Hon. Ali Shettima with a Committee set up for onward distribution to victims of fire incidents that consumed hundreds of households.

" Just yesterday, we were in Gajiram, the Council Headquarters of Nganzai with Governor Kashim Shettima and launched distribution of relief items to about 1500 households affected by fire outbreak.

"From the records at our disposal, there are four Local Government Areas affected by fire incidence in the last two weeks. We have intervened in Nganzai, Monguno, and today we are giving out our widows might to Gubio and Marte fire victims.

" As you can see, Gubio which has recorded 230 households affected by the inferno will receive 500 bags of 25kg Maize grid, 200 bags of 10kg wheat, 200 wheat flour mill, 300 sets of wrappers and 500 plastic cups.

"Other items include; 50 water jerrican, 50 water bowl, vegetable oil, 250 packets of sugar, 300 pieces of sanitary kits, mosquito nets, 300 pieces of blankets, 300 sets of slippers and plastic mats among others for onward distribution.

" While Marte Local Government Area will receive theirs at Muna Kumbori IDPs camp in Maiduguri. " Yabawa said.

Receiving the items, the Caretaker Chairmen of Gubio and Marte, LGAs, Hon. Zanna Modu Gubio and Hon. Ali Shettima thanked the State Government and other Donors for coming to the aid of those affected by fire disaster.

Hon. Zanna Modu said, in Gubio alone, about 230 households of Ngetra and Zawo wards were affected with loss of three lives, adding that the Council under his administration quickly intervened by visiting the scene.

While commending prompt response by Governor Shettima, SEMA and other Donor Agencies, Zanna promised that the items would be distributed within 48 hours.

He said, already he has inaugurated a high powered Committee led by its Chairman, Alhaji Dogo Mohammed who doubles as Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with 14 other members charged with responsibility of distributing the items judiciously.

The Caretaker Chairman also said, the Committee would be given adequate cover by security agencies and men of the Civilian Joint Task Force to ensure smooth exercise.

At Muna Bunkuri IDPs camp , the Chairman of Marte LGA Alhaji Ali Shettima conducted the SEMA team, media, LGCs officials and stakeholders round the burnt 90 houses before the commencement of distribution of the relief materials.

He also appreciated efforts of the SEMA and other donors for their concern and support while appealing for more support and aids to his LGA IDPs being the only LGA in the state with the largest number of IDPs at various camps within and outside the state.

Shettima added that so far there was no death casualty but 4 people were injured and treated in the hospital and the IDPs were cauctioned not to be using fire without precaution due to change in weather.