THE Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared that Nigerians are struggling to survive due to the effect of the economic reforms of the Federal Government.

The NSCIA, the umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said this in a statement on Friday signed by its Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Salisu Shehu, in which it sympathised with the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar and the people of the state over the tragic incident. The flooding claimed several lives, left many injured and destroyed billions of naira worth of property.

“This unfortunate development happening at a time when Nigerians generally are grappling to survive, owing to the effect of the current economic reforms by the Federal Government, is a tragedy too many,” the NSCIA said.

It commended the efforts of the federal and Borno State governments on the matter, imploring them, however, to further deploy the emergency management agencies and the North East Development Commission to ensure that the disaster is efficiently managed to reduce the sufferings of the thousands of the victims.

The organisation urged governments at all levels to take necessary measures to avert such incidents. The council called on private organisations and institutions, local and international humanitarian and 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 their sufferings caused by the flood disaster,” it said.