Abia flood victims in Maiduguri petition Otti

Flood victims and aggrieved members of the Abia State Community Association in Maiduguri, Borno State, have petitioned the Abia Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, demanding transparency and accountability in the disbursement of relief funds meant for victims of the September 10, 2024 flood disaster in the state.

In a petition dated March 17, this year, Ogugua Charles Ibeabuchi, on behalf of affected members, raised concerns over what they described as a lack of clarity and alleged irregularities in the management of financial assistance reportedly approved by the Abia State government for its indigenes affected by the flood.

The petitioners recalled that following the flood in Maiduguri, which displaced residents and destroyed properties, several state governors, including representatives from Abia State, visited Borno State to sympathise with victims and pledged support.

According to the group, officials representing the Abia State government later informed the community that Governor Otti had approved financial assistance for affected Abia indigenes. However, they alleged that the process of disbursing the funds has been shrouded in secrecy.

Among the key issues raised, the petitioners claimed that the total amount approved and released for the victims had not been disclosed to members of the association. They alleged that the list of beneficiaries was neither made available for verification nor approved by the community.