Flood Rendered Thousands Of Maiduguri Residents, Homeless, Government To Close Schools For 2 Weeks

Flood rendered thousands of Maiduguri residents, homeless, Government to close schools for 2 weeks

–as rampaging animal flee from the zoo poises danger

By Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri

A devastating flood from the broken , Alau Dam in Maiduguri has rendered thousands of the residents, of the Borno state capital homeless as houses, shops public building and property worth billions of Naira were destroyed, and many residents taking refuge in public schools and IDP camps.

The flood which submerged residential quarters, roads and schools, Sanda Kyarimi parks (zoo) including the Palace of Shehu of Borno, Alh Abubakar Ibn Garbai Elkanem, bridges, has forced residents to flee their residents in search for safety.

Our correspondent who visited some parts of the metropolis, reports that the flood submerged forced animals from the state owned Sanda Kyarimi Park to went on rampage which poised a great danger to the residents.

Most residents of Shehuri area have fled to the Shehu of Borno Palace, which was also not spared as the flood have taken over the palace as well as Maiduguri Central..

Also affected by the flood were Maiduguri Monday Market, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital., State Specialist Hospital, College of Health and Technology, State Secretariat Post office area among others.

Many residents were seen with their few items, especially food stuff looking for safe heaven, as the Borno state government have commenced evacuation of victims to Bakasi IDP camps and primary schools.

Good Samaritans, especially youths putting sand provided by the state government into bags and erecting sandbags to prevent water from entering their houses..

The Borno state government in statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, has advised residents to follow evacuation routes to ensure safety.

The statement which was released in the early hours of Tuesday, Prof. Usman Tar, the titled “Flooding Alert for River Bank Residents “, called for immediate evacuation of residents and advised the affected areas to follow evacuation routes to ensure safe passage.

“Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we urge all the residents living along the river bank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties. The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms and the water is heading toward the river bank, ” the commissioner said.

loodIt could be recalled the state capital witnessed similar flood had such a problem was in 1994, resulting in unprecedented flooding was in 1884 exactly 30 years ago when many parts of the town was flooded.

Following the flood, the Borno Government has also announced the closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state for two weeks due to floods that had displaced many residents.

The Borno state ministry for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation in a statement signed by the Acting Director, Schools Services, Grema Bulama, on Monday said it was as a result of the flooding which displaced many people across the state.

“Due to the ongoing flooding across the state and its adverse effects, the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation has directed a statewide closure of all schools, both public and private, until Monday, Sept. 23″, the statement said .

“We urge all concerned parties to comply strictly with this directive.We regret any inconvenience this notice may have caused and we appreciate your understanding,” the statement added.

The schools which were initially scheduled to open on Monday, Sept. 9, but we’re forced to be closed down in less than 24 hours after resumption due to some of the schools were submerged while others are being occupied by people displaced by the flood..

Police and other security agencies were seen trying to assist victims and protect hoodlum from looting people property, as well preventing people from following dangerous routes.

The police were also advising people on routes to follow and the appropriate locations to go for camping.

Also, the General manager Borno state Sanda Kyarimi Park,(Zoo), Hon. Ali Abatcha called on the attention of the General public to be aware and take all the necessary precautions measures to avoid these rampaging animals.

The General Manager in a statement issued on Tuesday said ” I wish to announce that the recent flood disaster has disrupted and causes a damage to properties and loss of lives of more than 80% of the animals in the Zoo”

“In this devastating period of flood disaster,, I wish to also announce that some deadly animals has been washed away into our communities, animals like crocodiles and snakes, I call on the attention of the General public to be aware and take all the necessary precautions measures to avoid these animals”, the statement said.

With regret, sense of concern and responsibility, we wish to ensure safety and protection for the remaining living things within his jurisdiction.

He also, prayed for a quick relief from Almighty Allah and called on all citizens to pray and turn back to Almighty Allah.