Victor Ezeja
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has said the flood in Maiduguri was caused by heavy rainfall being experienced this year.
The governor who visited displaced persons taking refuge in the Bakassi IDP camp along Biu, Damboa road in Maiduguri on Tuesday, said over one million people have been displaced.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAside from the heavy rain, Zulum also blamed the flood on the overflow of Alau Dam, which was caused by the release of water from other dams in Cameroon.
The Borno governor said the Alau Dam will be reconstructed to contain higher water volume, while structures erected on riverine and water-prone areas will be removed to avoid future reoccurrence.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has donated N3 billion to be used in addressing the challenges of the flood.
The flood, which started over the weekend, worsened in the following days, submerging homes, and farmland and crippling businesses and people’s means of livelihood.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), a significant part of Maiduguri has been submerged by flood water including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
NEMA said there are ongoing efforts by the state government to relocate displaced residents. According to reports, about three internally displaced persons camps (including the Bakasi camp) have been opened to accommodate affected persons.
President Bola Tinubu ordered the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims.
Describing the flood as the “worst” in recent decades, Tinubu, through a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
Shettima Attributes Floods to Climate Change threats
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has attributed the Maiduguri flooding to increasing threats of climate change in Africa.
Shettima, who visited the state on Tuesday for the on-spot assessment said the severity of the flood exceeded the government’s estimates, making the “most catastrophic flood in Maiduguri in over three decades.”
“This disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally, but particularly to regions like ours. Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted time and again, as witnessed during the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022,” Shettima stated.
The vice president, who waded through flood waters as shown in some videos online, assured that the Federal Government remains determined in its commitment to tackle such ecological challenges.
He said Tinubu’s government has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges head-on.
There are reports that residents around Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri have been thrown into confusion as some animals in the zoo like crocodiles, snakes and other less dangerous ones have been forced out by the raging flood.
Governor Zulum promised that food items and other basic necessities will be provided for victims, adding that the government will form a health committee to look into possible outbreaks of diseases to curb the spread.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
