Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, was thrown into chaos yesterday as a devastating flood submerged the palace of the Shehu of Borno, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the Customs office, and several other locations.
The disaster, which occurred around 1 a.m., was triggered by the collapse of the Alao Dam, displacing thousands of residents.
Victims of the flood, who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune in Maiduguri, recounted their harrowing experiences. “We were forced to flee for our lives, abandoning all our belongings,” said Fatima Goni, a mother of nine. “Thank God we are alive; we have nothing except our lives.”
Sara Adamu, a resident of Gwange, narrated her ordeal: “The flood caught us off guard. We were asleep when the water started rising. We had to scramble to safety, leaving everything behind.”
ALSO READ: UNICEF, Sokoto gov’s wife partner on birth registration, nutrition
Aisha Abbagana, also affected by the flood, lamented: “We have lost everything. Our homes, properties, everything is gone. We are left with nothing but the clothes on our backs.”
The flood has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with many residents struggling to come to terms with the magnitude of the disaster. The streets are now filled with the debris of destroyed homes and businesses, while the stench of stagnant water hangs in the air.
NEMA has declared a state of emergency in response to the flood, with relief efforts underway to support affected residents.
