President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent assistance to flood victims in Maiduguri, following severe flooding that has ravaged parts of the city and surrounding areas.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, President Tinubu expressed profound concern over the disaster. The floods have caused widespread devastation, displacing numerous residents and inundating homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses across the Northeastern state.
The President conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Borno State, especially to families who have lost loved ones and livelihoods due to the flooding triggered by the Alo Dam's overflow.
As authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage, President Tinubu has called for the immediate evacuation of individuals from the most affected areas. He assured Governor Babagana Zulum of the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate on addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of those impacted.
In addition to the immediate response, President Tinubu pledged that the Federal Government would mobilize resources to support the state through this crisis.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Maiduguri for an on-the-ground assessment, described the flooding as the worst the city has seen in over three decades. Shettima acknowledged that despite extensive contingency plans and proactive measures, the scale of the disaster has far exceeded initial estimates.
Shettima emphasized that the administration is committed to developing a comprehensive roadmap to address the recurring flooding issues in Nigeria. He expressed the President’s deepest sympathies for the victims and reassured that the welfare of affected communities remains a top priority.
The floods, which began over the weekend, have been exacerbated by excessive water release from the Alau Dam and the collapse of its spillways, resulting in significant flooding downstream. Major roads, residential areas, and public infrastructure in Maiduguri, including the Shehu’s Palace, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Sanda Kyarimi Zoo, have been submerged.
The flood has also breached the walls of a local prison, leading to inmate casualties and escapes. Key roads like the Post-Office Roundabout and several other major thoroughfares have been rendered impassable.
The impact on local communities has been severe, with thousands of residents displaced, particularly women and children. Many are seeking refuge under trees or in other temporary shelters, as their homes and businesses have been destroyed.
The Sanda Kyarimi Zoo has reported that 80% of its animals have perished, with the remainder having fled into the city.
Authorities are also noting that in addition to this year’s unusually heavy rainfall, the flooding has been compounded by a breach in the Alo Dam’s bank—a critical water source for Maiduguri, which draws from the River Ngadda in Cameroon and the Lake Chad.
As Maiduguri grapples with this humanitarian crisis, the Federal Government, led by President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, remains focused on delivering immediate relief and long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.