… As Sokoto assists victims of rainstorms
From Molly Kilete, Abuja, Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday said it has carried out massive surgical operations on 420 Internally Displaced Persons, in Borno State.
The gesture, the NAF, said was to alleviate the medical challenges of the displaced persons.
Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Adetokunbo Adesanya, who made this known, said the medical intervention which was on the order of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadiq Abubakar, which lasted three weeks took place at the Dalori, Bama and Banki IDP camps.
Of the 420, IDPs, Adesanya, said 201 major operations to resolve various medical challenges, were carried out successfully while 82 eye surgeries, comprising 77 cases of cataract, 4 cases of pterygium and one case of epilation were conducted. He also said 61 cases of trachoma and 7 cases of allergic conjunctivitis were also treated.
Adesanya, in a statement, said a total of 26 patients were operated for herniorrhaphies, 15 for hydrocelectomies and 5 each for laparotomies and lipoma excision, while patients with very severe conditions were airlifted to the Field Theatre by NAF helicopters, adding that no life was lost throughout the exercise.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has directed the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency to quickly deliver relief materials to victims of rainstorm which wreaked havoc at Illela, Araba, Gati and surrounding villages in Illela Local Government Area of the state.
The storm, which occurred Friday night, destroyed houses, livestocks and farm produce thereby rendering many families homeless.
Already, a government delegation, led by the Sokoto State chairman of the ruling APC, Alhaji Usman Danmadami, had visited the affected villages to commiserate with the victims.
Speaking at the Palace of the District Head of Illela, Danmadami said government would work with local authorities to assist victims and ensure they were fully rehabilitated to enable them return to their normal activities.
He prayed to Allah to give all the victims strength in these trying moments, and assured that all efforts would be made to make them rebuild their lives.
The delegation later presented cash assistance to the victims.
In his remarks, Wakilin Sarkin Rafin Illela, Alhaji Sahabi Isa, thanked the governor for his concern and prayed Allah to reward him abundantly.