By Husssaini Hammangabdo Yola
The strong floods that hit much of the capital city Yola Weeks ago may have caused much damage to humans and materials but it also brought out the charity Nigerians.
Governments, organisations and individuals have since been reaching out with relief packages to the victims in such manner that make the victims not to grimly accept it as nature’s bad gift the way people do when they face loses, but to happily reflect on the huge measure of attention and love that they have been receiving.
Leading the way in this respect has been the home Adamawa State Government which has been relentless in the care for the households affected by the flood.
The government has since disclosed how the flood, which occurred in Yola South LGA on July 27, 2025 affected more than 4,000 households and led to the death of 29 by the time records were updated earlier this month
Victims of the flood disaster have been commending Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for his swift response and what they described as effective distribution of relief materials to the affected communities.
They expressed gratitude to the state government and its partners for their intervention as well as many well-meaning individuals who contributed to efforts to make relief materials available to them.
One such victim, Hajiya Hasfat Umar, said the prompt arrival of relief materials eased her family’s hardship.
She said, “The government’s quick action shows they care about our situation. We didn’t have to wait for weeks before getting help. We are grateful to our governor.”
Another victim, Malam Audu Bako, who pictured the general atmosphere of a feeling of belonging that the government and other donors of relief materials brought to victims, said the assistance restored the hope of victims, including those who lost valuables or relations.
The flood in view had generated some criticisms, possibly from people who just felt like painting the government in dark colours.
One such criticism was coated in the garb of some relief materials donated had expired.
Dr Celine La’ori, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), who reacted such allegation, dismissed it as coming from political mischief makers seeking to undermine government’s efforts’.
She said the state government which had done everything possible to cushion the effects of the disaster, deserved commendation for its response.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr James Iliya, who gave assurance of further intervention where it may be necessary, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of the people.
He said, “The Adamawa State Government will not abandon its responsibility to protect and serve the people. We will not rest until every citizen has access to the necessary support and services to thrive,” he said.
Also speaking on the wild allegation of relief items being not fit for consumption, Iliya noted that the flood was one of those unfortunate events requiring collective effort, not blame games.
He said the government had earlier sensitised residents of flood-prone areas on risks and precautionary measures, reflecting its commitment to public safety.
He noted that the items donated were from various different sources who should be appreciated instead of being disparaged.
Specifying that the relief support came from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission (NEDC), the Wife of the President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the Bayelsa Government and BUA Group, among others, he said the state government was immensely grateful to them.
“Their contributions have helped cushion the effects of the flooding, alleviate the suffering of victims, and facilitate response efforts,” he said.
Dwelling on the genuine moves that the state government made, the commissioner recalled that
Deputy Governor Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta was the first government official to reach the affected communities, mobilise rescue teams, and set up a temporary camp at a secondary school.
He said victims were immediately profiled and relief materials distributed to ensure genuine cases received assistance.
Quoting Fintiri, he added: “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We acknowledge the plight of those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods”.
Many observers note that the Yola flood may have come and gone, but the show of love that it elicited from Nigerians will be remembered for a long time to come.
