Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is currently experiencing one of its most catastrophic floods in recent history, just days after the state government assured residents that preventive measures were in place. The flood, which began early Tuesday morning, has submerged houses, roads, schools, markets, and even the Emir’s palace, leaving hundreds of residents trapped and socioeconomic activities at a standstill.
The disaster comes on the heels of a statement by Alhaji Bukar Tijani, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), who reassured the public that the Alau Dam, a major water source, had not broken down. Earlier, Tijani visited the dam and declared that it posed no threat to the city. He said the state government was working with the Chad Basin Development Authority to prevent any overflow.
Residents had warned of rising water levels at the dam last week, but their concerns were reportedly dismissed. Many blame the government for not taking adequate action.
The floods have also reportedly forced wild animals from the Maiduguri Zoo to escape into the city, causing additional panic.
A coalition of CSOs has described the situation as “pathetic” and called for urgent government intervention from all levels of government. “The flooding has submerged entire communities and public buildings, including the zoo and a Christian cemetery,” the group said in a statement. They raised concerns about public health risks and the safety of residents as animals flee the flooded zoo.
The floodwaters destroyed farms, exacerbating the already dire situation. Schools and markets have been shut down indefinitely, and many families have been left homeless. Residents say that the emergency response teams are overwhelmed, with some of their facilities also impacted.
Ahmed Shehu, Chairman of the Lake-Chad Basin CSOs, called for the activation of emergency response measures and urged the government to barricade key areas to protect citizens from both the flood and roaming wild animals.
Bulama Abiso, Executive Director of the Network of CSOs in Borno State, emphasized the need for humanitarian aid, urging CSOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to provide food, shelter, and psychosocial support to the displaced residents.
The situation has prompted an outpouring of concern from Nigerians on social media. Many have criticized the state government’s inadequate response and its failure to heed early warnings about the dam.
“Maiduguri is enduring one of the worst floods in recent memory,” one user wrote, reflecting the general sentiment of shock and desperation.
The state was at the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency for at least a decade, and the flooding has come to reset its recent economic and social recovery.
JolibaLive News! extends its sympathies to the people of Borno State, and joins in the call for more concerted efforts by government agencies for relief and support in the affected areas.
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