The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) have called on the Federal and Borno State Governments to investigate the alleged reckless handling of the Alau Dam, which they believe led to the catastrophic flooding in Borno State. In a statement released on Tuesday, signed by the group’s chairman, Isaac Abrak, the youth group stressed the need for accountability and action.
The recent breakdown of the Alau Dam has resulted in significant damage across the region, with over 30 lives lost, 23,000 homes destroyed, and more than 414,000 people displaced. Critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, electricity systems, healthcare facilities, and schools have been severely impacted, leaving close to a million people without their livelihoods.
“We demand that those responsible for the dam’s reckless handling be held accountable,” the statement read. “The commonwealth allocated for dam maintenance and climate change initiatives has clearly failed the people.”
The NCYP also commended President Bola Tinubu’s visit and his N3 billion pledge for relief efforts, but questioned why more funds are being set up without investigating the ineffective use of previous Ecological Funds, which included N40 billion, of which Borno received N800 million.
“Flooding is an existential threat worsened by leadership failures. Throwing money at environmental crises without accountability is inhumane,” the group emphasized.
The NCYP is calling for:
- An investigation into the mishandling of the dam.
- Transparent use of existing funds.
- Construction of safe housing in highland areas.
- Support for temporary relocation efforts.
- Alternative education arrangements during the crisis.
They also pointed to the 2022 Bayelsa flooding as a reminder of the consequences of neglect, warning that such failures cannot continue to harm the most vulnerable communities.
