To avert perennial flooding occasioned by rainfall, Mai Mala Buni, governor of Yobe, has directed the immediate relocation of downstream communities in the state to safer grounds.

A statement Saturday in Damaturu by the governor spokesman, Mamman Mohammed, said the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has warned of heavy rainfall with massive floods that will affect some states and parts of Yobe.

“We should, therefore, make quick and fast arrangements to ensure the safety of our people,” he said.

Mr Buni also directed the state Ministries of Environment and Humanitarian Affairs and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to liaise with such communities to fast-track effective relocation and resettlement.

“The ministries and SEMA should work out comprehensive and proactive measures to ensure the safety of the people before the much-anticipated flood.

“The ministries should work along with the communities to reach mutual agreements on the choice of locations as well as the mode of movements,” Mr Buni said.

He directed the key ministries and SEMA to work out modalities of assisting the vulnerable communities, especially those living on the river banks, to relocate to safer locations, assuring that his government would provide the necessary support to ensure the safety of the vulnerable communities.

Mr Buni urged the affected communities to cooperate with the relevant agencies to provide the needed support and assistance.