The council prays that Almighty Allah should repose the souls of the departed and grant the injured quick recovery.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has urged governments at all levels to put in place necessary measures to avert disasters such as the flood witnessed in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The council’s President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, made the call in a statement by the Deputy Secretary-General of the council, Prof. Salisu Shehu, on Friday in Abuja.

He said that the council was disturbed by the Maiduguri flood which displaced almost all the residents, claimed several lives, left many injured and destroyed property worth billions of naira.

The Sultan particularly implored the Federal Government to deploy its machinery to ensure efficient management of the situation to reduce sufferings of the victims.

He, however, commended the efforts and empathy of the federal and Borno State governments in handling the incident.

He stated, “We, however, wish to implore them to further deploy all their machinery, particularly the entire emergency management agencies. We, most importantly, want the North-East Development Commission to ensure that the disaster is efficiently managed.

“The council equally calls on the private sector, organisations and institutions, local and international donor agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the people of Maiduguri by providing relief materials and services. Our collective support and solidarity would go a long way in alleviating the sufferings caused by the flood disaster.’’

The traditional ruler conveyed the council’s heartfelt sympathy to the state governor, Babagana Zulum, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Elkanemi, and the people of the state on the tragic incident.

“May Allah give you the fortitude to bear this monumental trial. The council prays that Almighty Allah should repose the souls of the departed and grant the injured quick recovery. It also prays that Allah would replenish those who have lost their wealth and property,” the statement indicated.

(NAN)