Floodwaters have submerged major roads, houses, and shops in Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State’s capital, and parts of the Jere LGA. Some of the public infrastructure that the flood submerged included the Shehu’s Palace, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo.
A flood broke through a prison wall in the Customs area, causing some inmates to drown and others to flee for their lives.
Major roads in the state capital, including the Post-Office Roundabout, which connects major locations in the capital, are flooded, cutting off vehicular movement throughout the city.
The flood has affected several communities, including Abbaganaram, Custom Road, Tashan Bama, Monday Market, Gamboru Market Custom Area, Cattle Market in Old Maiduguri, Gwange area, and Lagos Street.
The Maiduguri Zoo’s popularity, known as Sanda Kyarimi Zoo Park, was flooded too. The General Manager of the zoo, Ali Abatcha, said 80% of the animals in the zoo have been killed by the flood while the others have escaped into the city capital.
Thousands of residents living along waterways and flood-prone areas have been displaced, the majority of whom are women and children.
The flood also has an impact on several shop owners and small businesses.
Touring across safer areas within Maiduguri, thousands of women and children are relocating along with their belongings.
Many of them are seen taking refuge under trees at the major roads.
Apart from large volume rainfall being experienced this year, the flood, according to multiple sources, is a result of leakage of the bank of Alo Dam, a major source of water supply to Maiduguri, which draws its source from River Ngadda in Cameroon and the Lake Chad.
Borno Flood: FG Offers Relief
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the flood victims in parts of Maiduguri.
Tinubu, in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, expressed deep concern about the flooding.
Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that lost their loved ones and means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alo Dam.
The President called for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas.
He assured Governor Babagana Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.
The President also said he remained committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time.
