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.
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 has flowed into the city since Monday evening to date.
The incident has so far consumed many communities, including Shehu’s palace, Monday Market, Post Office area, Gwange, Moromoro Customs Bridge, Zoo, and Bulabullin, among others.
This is because, 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 cut off as flooding destroyed bridges, roads, houses, and property worth billions of naira.
According to a 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 the police and other relevant government agencies are doing everything possible to ensure safety of lives and property”.
