Following severe flooding in Maiduguri, more than 200 inmates have escaped from a correctional facility in the city. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is currently in Maiduguri to assess the damage caused by the flood to the correctional centre.
A statement released by the Nigeria Correctional Service spokesman, Umar Abubakar, confirmed that the federal government is working to evacuate the facility and ensure safety. Abubakar also assured the public that the service is collaborating with other security agencies to maintain order and safeguard public safety.
The Federal Government has also initiated the evacuation of residents from the flood-affected communities in Maiduguri. According to a statement from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday, efforts are underway to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to the victims of the disaster.
The flooding, which began last weekend and intensified by Monday, September 9, 2024, was triggered by excess water released from the Alau Dam. An aerial view of the affected areas showed widespread damage, with several neighborhoods, including Shehuri, the Government Residential Area (G.R.A.), Gambomi, Budum, Bulabulin, Adamkolo, Millionaires Quarters, Monday Market, and Gwange, submerged under water.
One of the spillways of the Alau Dam collapsed, leading to a significant surge in water levels, further worsening the situation. As a result, the Borno State Government has opened the Bakassi Camp to accommodate displaced residents. NEMA, in collaboration with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, is working to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected.
NEMA’s spokesman, Ezekiel Manzo, described the flooding as an unprecedented disaster, noting that parts of Maiduguri that had not experienced flooding in years are now submerged. Thousands of homes have been affected, with over 150,000 individuals and 23,000 households impacted. NEMA’s zonal coordinator, Surajo Garba, warned that the total number of people affected could exceed 200,000 as more areas are being hit.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, a native of Maiduguri, visited the affected areas and confirmed that the flood was caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam spillways, which released a large amount of water downstream, inundating the city and surrounding communities. The flood also submerged key landmarks, including the city’s post office and main zoo, with authorities warning that dangerous animals might have been washed away into local communities.
Videos circulating on social media showed an ostrich, reportedly from the zoo, wandering the flooded streets of Maiduguri.
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