A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Maiduguri, Borno State, after severe flooding displaced over 200,000 residents, with many still missing, including children. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the disaster, which was caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam, leading to widespread devastation across residential and commercial areas such as Monday Market, Shehu of Borno’s Palace, and neighborhoods like Shehuri, Gwange, and Gamboru.
Fatima Ali, a resident, expressed her distress: “I managed to escape, but my parents and six siblings are still trapped. I urge the government to do everything possible to rescue them.”
Ibrahim Musa, a shop owner, added, “We had to flee the zoo area, fearing wildlife escaping. The flood has submerged shops around the popular Monday Market and post office.”
The flood also caused floating corpses from the overwhelmed Gwange Cemetery to surface, traumatizing many residents. Additionally, patients at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital have been stranded due to high water levels.
NEMA’s Acting Zonal Coordinator, Sirajo Garba, reported that Maiduguri remains on high alert, though the full extent of casualties is yet to be determined. Medical experts have warned of potential water-borne diseases due to the contaminated floodwaters.
Borno’s zoo was also devastated, with 80% of its wildlife killed, and dangerous animals like crocodiles and snakes swept into nearby communities.
The Borno State Government has reopened Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to shelter those affected. Meanwhile, police have urged residents to avoid flooded routes and seek safer areas.
Additionally, the flood reportedly affected Boko Haram’s enclave, Dollarland, in Sambisa Forest, causing significant insurgent casualties. Inmates from an old prison in Maiduguri were also evacuated to a new maximum-security facility after the flood damaged parts of the old prison.
Vice President Kashim Shettima assured that the Tinubu administration is committed to tackling the flood crisis with a comprehensive plan. Former President Muhammadu Buhari also extended his condolences, calling the situation a national calamity.
REACTIONS
This is the moment for the Federal Government to demonstrate that it is compassionate and responsive. It is crucial to avoid political maneuvering and bureaucratic delays that often hinder project awards and implementation. Instead, there needs to be a focus on selflessness and ensuring that only qualified companies are selected for resettlement projects with swift execution timelines. Companies like Eden Costruzioni, known for their expertise in rapid construction and high-quality resettlement estates, should be engaged. They offer several options for quick housing solutions, including Eden Low Cost Homes, and have established relationships with the Commission for Internally Displaced Persons and Fraser Consulting. Their foreign partnerships enable them to complete projects efficiently.
The government should not use this crisis to reward political allies or friends. It must honor its commitments, with the public closely monitoring each step, including the selection of companies and project implementation. This is not a time for unfinished projects; it is a time to deliver results. During last year’s Climate Change Conference in the UAE, we encountered Eden Costruzioni and were impressed by their proposal to resettle 100,000 individuals for the Nigerian Refugee Commission.
It is essential to engage such firms and ensure they begin work immediately, offering options for housing projects that can be completed in varying timelines: 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, and 3 years. Innovative solutions are needed for swift results. The government must take an active role, appointing skilled professionals and involving the NorthEast Development Commission. Resettlement estates should be established in every state, particularly in the North East, which has been heavily impacted by Boko Haram insurgency.
We hope the government gets this right, as Nigerians are watching.
Fraser Consulting would be a valuable partner due to its international standards and connections.
Prof. Ishola Ifayemi.
