Thousands of residents in Maiduguri, Borno state capital and parts of Jere local government area are now stranded and displaced following the collapse of the dyke and overflow of Alau Dam which is about 10 kilometres away from the metropolis.
Since last week, the State Government led by the Secretary to the Government, Bukar Tijjani led a Delegation to assess the situation of the Dam and reassured the general public that there was no cause for alarm or panicking as measures would be taken to mitigate any disaster, but to no avail as the water flow into the city since Monday evening to date.
The incident have so far consumed many communities including the Shehu’s palace, Monday Market, Post Office area, Gwange, Moromoro Customs Bridge, Zoo, Bulabullin among others.
This is as in Yobe state, only five local government areas remain accessible to Damaturu the state capital. These include Nangere, Potiskum, Fika, Fune and Gujba, while the other 12 local government areas such as Nguru, Jakusco, Gashua, Gaidam, and many more were totally cut off as flooding has destroyed bridges, roads, houses, and property worth billions of naira.
According to s short statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Borno State Command on Tuesday morning, ASP Kenneth Daso said: “Following the devastating effect of flooding, citizens are advised to avoid flooding routes and stay in safer areas as Police and other relevant government agencies are doing everything possible to ensure safety of lives and property”.
The Borno state government had earlier ordered closure of schools over reports that the flood in the state could worsen within 48 hours.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident, which began a week ago, reached its peak in the early hours of Tuesday.
Many residents of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin were displaced.
The State-owned Broadcasting Station BRTV and Post Office, Shehu Laminu way, and Custom Area, were also severely affected by the floodwaters.
According to a victim, the floodwaters overflowed the Fori bridge, which connects Fori and Galtimari to Tashan Bama, and swept through homes with incredible force.
“Everyone should avoid post office, Monday market even the route behind the zoo along Hissan fueling station as the flood has taken over and the road is not motorable,” Refeal said.
“We were alerted to pack our belongings at 12:30 AM, but before we could gather our clothes and school credentials, the water was already waist-deep in our house,’ said a resident of Galtimari.
A journalist working with Borno Radio Television (BRTV) said “Post Office area and our office BRTV have been submerged.”
Another resident, Bilyaminu Yusuf, said, “We are in a serious situation Lagos Street is flooded, we had to flee to Galtimari Primary School, leaving most of our belongings behind.”
Our Correspondent who visited some of the affected areas, confirmed that the floodwaters have submerged the Lagos Street Bridge, one of the largest bridges in the city.
Many residents were forced to abandon their homes and seek safety elsewhere, as other carry light properties on their heads.
