Excess water from the failed Alau Dam in Borno State has overflowed into parts of Maiduguri, the state capital in North-East Nigeria, causing widespread flooding.
According to eyewitnesses, the worst-hit areas include Bulabulin Ward, Monday Market, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate on Bama Road, where floodwaters have inundated homes and businesses.
Residents of Maiduguri and Jere are on high alert as the flood continues to spread, submerging many properties and displacing families. The flooding is attributed to the alleged partial breakdown of Alau Dam, which has been filled to capacity for the past week.
In response to the crisis, Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Ta, has issued a statement urging immediate evacuation of affected areas to prevent further loss of life and property.
The commissioner’s call for evacuation comes as the floodwaters continue to rise, threatening to engulf more parts of the city and surrounding areas, leaving residents in a state of panic and uncertainty..
He said, “Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, the Borno State Government is urging the residents living along the river bank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties”.
Tar also urged the residents to follow evacuation routes to ensure safe passage.
The last time the dam had a similar challenge was in 1994, when almost half of the town was flooded, killing many people.
