…As over 200 inmates escape prison
…Tinubu, Shettima, pledge to fix ailing infrastructure, condole with affected communities
…NEDC, other emergency agencies vow to assuage hardship
By Rauf Oyewole and Othman Yahaya
Residents of Maiduguri, Borno State, and surrounding areas are grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic flood that has wreaked havoc across the North East, nearly 30 years after a similar disaster in 1994 when the Alau Dam broke.
The flood, which struck late Monday while many were asleep, has submerged approximately 60 percent of the city, including key landmarks such as the Shehu of Borno’s Palace, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Lagos Street, the Government House, and the popular Maiduguri Monday Market (MMM).
Emergency response teams are overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster. Dr. Barkindo Mohammed, head of the State Emergency Management Agency, described the situation as “terrible” amid ongoing rescue efforts.
The United Nations Nigeria reports that over 280,000 people are affected, with 200,000 displaced as of Tuesday evening. President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the crisis, which he described as the worst flood in recent decades.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the affected families and urged the immediate evacuation of residents from the worst-hit areas.
He said, “President Tinubu extends 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.
“While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas. President Tinubu assures Governor Babagana Umara Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.”
Also, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is set to visit Maiduguri to assess the damage, emphasised the need for national unity in overcoming the disaster.
He noted, “My heart goes out to the families who have tragically lost their homes and livelihoods in this calamity. Our grief is shared, but so is our resolve to offer support and comfort as you begin to recover from this disaster. Now, more than ever, we are compelled as a nation to come together to overcome the losses suffered, and we are committed to finding lasting solutions to this recurring issue.
“The flood, which began over the weekend and worsened in the following days, was the direct result of excess water from the Alau Dam. The collapse of the spillways unleashed a significant surge of water downstream, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding communities. As we speak, efforts are ongoing to evacuate and resettle residents in the affected areas, while ensuring the provision of food, shelter, and medical assistance until the situation stabilises.
“In response to our 2024 Flood Outlook, we had implemented comprehensive contingency plans and adopted proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts. Despite these preparations, the severity of this flood has far exceeded our estimates, marking the most catastrophic flood in Maiduguri in over three decades.
“The flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences. Nonetheless, the Federal Government remains determined in its commitment. As with other states facing similar crises, we will continue with the plans previously initiated in collaboration with the Borno State government. We are resolute in mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons and areas.”
Shettima said that the disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally, but particularly to regions like Nigeria. According to him, Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted time and again, as witnessed during the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022.
“The factors contributing to these recurring disasters are diverse, and it is for this reason that President Bola Tinubu has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges head-on,” he said.
“In light of data gathered by our emergency response agencies and early warning centres, the government has intensified its interventions in flood-prone areas. These areas, characterised by erratic rainfall patterns and complex river basin dynamics, have been prioritised in our flood mitigation strategies to safeguard communities, protect agricultural zones, and reinforce critical infrastructure.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the government of Borno State for its swift and effective response to this tragic situation. I also want to acknowledge the remarkable resilience of the good people of Maiduguri and surrounding areas, who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion by being their neighbours’ keepers.
“President Bola Tinubu, has not only expressed his deepest sympathies but has also assured that the federal government will prioritise the welfare of the affected communities. In collaboration with Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, we are determined to ensure that our mitigation and recovery efforts reach every corner impacted by this disaster.
“I am in Maiduguri to oversee the implementation of comprehensive flood mitigation measures. These measures will be in line with our Flood Outlook reports, which are informed by historical data, climate forecasts, and hydrological modeling, to provide a clear path forward in managing the varying degrees of flood risks across different regions and timelines. We will overcome this tragedy as long as our resolve remains strong, as long as we remain united, as long as we remain compassionate, and as long as we prioritise strategic actions to emerge from this even stronger than ever,” he said.
In addition, The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has pledged to support immediate relief efforts, following an assessment tour led by Managing Director Mohammed Goni Alkali. The Commission plans to work with NEMA and the State Government to provide temporary relief to victims and ensure their safety.
The flooding led to the escape of at least 200 inmates from the city’s correctional centre. Authorities have initiated a manhunt to locate and recapture the escaped inmates.
The flooding significantly impacted vital infrastructure. Major roads, including the Post-Office Roundabout, are submerged, disrupting transportation. The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Shehu’s Palace, and other key locations have been severely affected. A particularly alarming incident occurred when floodwaters breached a prison wall near the Custom Area, leading to the escape of several inmates. Tragically, some prisoners drowned while others fled.
Local communities, including Abbaganaram, Custom Road, Monday Market, Gamboru Market, Gwange, Lagos Street, and Tashan Bama, report extensive damage to homes and businesses, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Despite the widespread devastation, there is a glimmer of hope as floodwaters in the Fori and Aji-Alari communities have begun to recede, providing some relief to displaced individuals.
Many displaced individuals, particularly women and children, have sought refuge in safer areas, often sheltering under trees along major roads as they relocate with their belongings.
The Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo in Maiduguri has suffered a devastating blow, losing over 80 percent of its animals due to the flood. Some dangerous wildlife, including crocodiles and snakes, have been swept into nearby communities, raising concerns for public safety.
As the floodwaters gradually retreat, efforts are shifting towards recovery and rebuilding. Both state and federal governments are committed to providing the necessary support to help affected communities recover from this devastating natural disaster.