Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has been devastated by the worst flooding the region has seen in three decades. At least 414,000 people have been displaced, and 30 lives lost following days of heavy rainfall that caused the Alau Dam to overflow, according to the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) revealed that the floodwaters inundated nearly 70% of the city, forcing residents to seek refuge in nine internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. NEMA spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel confirmed on Wednesday, “30 people have been recorded dead so far, and around 414,000 people have been displaced.”
The flooding, triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam on the Ngadda River, located 20 kilometers south of Maiduguri, has affected more than 23,000 households. Major landmarks, including the Shehu of Borno’s palace, the state secretariat, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo, were also impacted. The zoo lost 80% of its animals to the floods.
Federal Government Responds
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the situation and directed government agencies to escalate rescue and relief efforts. Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the flood-ravaged city on Tuesday, meeting with local officials and assessing the damage.
In response, Tinubu ordered the immediate evacuation of residents from affected areas. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum estimated that over one million people were impacted by the disaster, stating, “The floods covered one-third of the city, affecting over a million people. It is very devastating.”
To assist in the relief efforts, the federal government allocated N3 billion, which will be used to supply food and essential items. Health monitoring strategies have also been implemented to prevent disease outbreaks among displaced residents. Additionally, flood victims are receiving cash distributions of N10,000 per household.
Jailbreak in the Aftermath
As the floodwaters overwhelmed the city, inmates from the Maiduguri correctional facility took advantage of the situation and escaped when a portion of the prison’s perimeter fence collapsed. The Nigeria Correctional Service’s Borno Command spokesperson, Bala Adamu, confirmed the jailbreak, stating that a manhunt for the escapees was underway. “We have recaptured three of the escapees so far,” Adamu said.
Nigeria Correctional Service Comptroller-General Haliru Nababa and Interior Minister Tunji Ojo arrived in Maiduguri on Wednesday for closed-door meetings regarding both the flooding and the jailbreak.
Bayelsa State Also Affected
Meanwhile, heavy rains continued to cause havoc in Bayelsa State, where neighborhoods in the capital, Yenagoa, were submerged. The Punch reported that areas like Cemetery, Ekeki, Okaka, and Amarata were hardest hit. Rising water levels in the Epie Creek and River Nun have raised concerns about further flooding.
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had previously issued warnings of heavy rain and thunderstorms expected from Wednesday to Friday, cautioning states across Nigeria about potential flooding risks.
In Bayelsa, inadequate drainage systems and poor urban planning have worsened the situation, especially in areas below sea level. Residents in Amarata and Ekeki have resorted to using buckets to bail water out of their homes, as the downpour shows no signs of easing.
As authorities across Nigeria grapple with multiple flooding crises, rescue operations remain ongoing in both Maiduguri and Bayelsa, with the government promising continued support for those affected.