Thousands of residents in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and parts of the Jere local government area have been left stranded and displaced after the Alau Dam, located 10 kilometers from the city, overflowed following the collapse of a protective dyke.
Despite reassurances from the state government, led by Secretary to the Government Bukar Tijjani, that there was no cause for alarm and that steps would be taken to prevent disaster, water has been flooding into the city since Monday evening, affecting numerous communities. These include the Shehu’s Palace, Monday Market, the Post Office area, Gwange, Moromoro Customs Bridge, Zoo, and Bulabullin, among others.
In neighboring Yobe State, severe flooding has left only five local government areas, including Nangere, Potiskum, Fika, Fune, and Gujba, accessible from the state capital, Damaturu. Twelve other councils, such as Nguru, Jakusco, Gashua, and Gaidam, have been completely cut off due to destroyed bridges, roads, homes, and property worth billions of naira.
The Borno State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, issued a statement urging residents to avoid flood-prone areas and seek safety. He assured the public that the police and other government agencies are working to protect lives and property amidst the devastation.
