•Colonel Friday Ayanam
The Salvation Army, Nigeria Territory has extended its heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Borno State following the floods which have ravaged the state resulting in loss of lives and wanton destruction.
This was made known in a statement issued today, personally signed by the national leader (Territorial Commander) of the organisation, Colonel Friday Ayanam, and made available to The Frontier.
According to Ayanam who leads the international organisation in Nigeria, The Salvation Army wants to assure all affected individuals and communities of its unwavering support, both in prayer, practical aid, and psychosocial support as they face this monumental disaster.
“We stand with you, praying for God’s comfort and peace to soothe your hearts in this trying time,” said Ayanam on behalf of the largest denomination known internationally for its humanitarian services and response in times of disaster.
Below is the full statement:
THE SALVATION ARMY, NIGERIA TERRITORY SYMPATHISES WITH THE PEOPLE OF BORNO STATE ON THE RECENT FLOOD DISASTER
The Salvation Army, Nigeria Territory, wishes to extend her heartfelt sympathy to the government, the people of Borno State, and all those affected by the devastating flood that has submerged much of the state capital, Maiduguri and other Communities.
According to reports from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 70 per cent of Maiduguri and farming communities have been engulfed by the fast-moving floodwaters, affecting key locations such as the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, the state secretariat, the post office, cemetery, Lagos Area, Bulabulin, Gwange, Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Kofar Shehu, Gwozar community etc. These catastrophic floods, which followed the bursting of Alau dam impounding a regional river earlier this week, have left approximately one million people impacted, with more than 400,000 displaced from their homes.
As we mourn this tragedy, we are reminded that Borno State, known as the “agricultural hub of the nation,” has been brought to its knees by this unforeseen calamity.
The current state of the capital and several communities is undeniably tragic, with countless families displaced, homes destroyed, and farming crops ready for harvest washed away.
We grieve with the affected families and pray that they find the strength to persevere through this challenging time.
We, The Salvation Army, known for our selfless humanitarian services to crisis affected people without discrimination, want to assure all affected individuals and communities of our unwavering support, both in prayer, practical aid, and psychosocial support as they face this monumental disaster. We stand with you, praying for God’s comfort and peace to soothe your hearts in this trying time. Our thoughts are also with the government and local authorities, as they work tirelessly to manage the crisis and provide relief to those in need.
We take solace in the words of the scripture: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:2, NIV). We believe that even in this time of great difficulty, God’s presence will guide and protect the people of Borno State.
As we pray and extend our support, we express our hope that Borno will soon recover and return to its former glory. We trust that, through collective efforts and God’s mercy, Maiduguri and the surrounding areas will rise again, stronger and more resilient than ever.
The Salvation Army, Nigeria Territory, remains committed to standing alongside the people of Borno State in the journey towards healing and restoration.
May the souls of those who have lost their lives rest in peace, and may those who have lost homes and livelihoods find solace and strength in the days ahead. We pray for the swift recovery of Borno and for the resilience of its people to overcome this tragedy.
Colonel Friday Ayanam
Territorial Commander (National Leader)
The Salvation Army,
Nigeria Territory.
