The city of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, woke up to scenes of devastation as a massive flood swept through the region, marking the worst disaster of its kind in over three decades. The floods have caused widespread disruption to the social and economic life of a city still recovering from the scars of a deadly insurgency.
Kaigama Mustapha, reporting from the scene, described the floodwaters for the first time submerging the historic Shehu of Borno’s palace, the state Secretariat, hospitals, and other critical infrastructures.
Pandemonium reigned across the streets of Maiduguri, with families left in a state of disarray, many wandering aimlessly after spending the night outdoors when the floods first hit. In a city that had endured the terror of insurgency, this flood is now testing the resilience of its people once again.
Although there has been no official confirmation of the cause, initial speculations suggest the floods were triggered by the recent heavy rainfall, which caused the Alau Dam, located on the outskirts of Maiduguri, to overflow its banks. Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive report on the extent of the damage or the exact cause of the dam’s breach.
No fatalities have been reported at this time, but the destruction of property is extensive. Major roads linking Maiduguri to its metropolitan areas and surrounding communities have been completely submerged. Key locations such as the Monday Market, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Lagos Street, Gwange Custom Area, and the Sanda Kyarimi Amusement Park—known for housing assorted wildlife—were badly affected.
The flood has forced many residents to sleep outside, including students from the College of Health Sciences, Maiduguri. As a result of the disaster, the Borno State government has reactivated the long-abandoned Bakassi IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp, which once sheltered thousands of people during the height of the insurgency. The camp is now expected to provide temporary refuge for those displaced by the flood.
As the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of this unprecedented disaster, the resilience of the people of Maiduguri will be tested once again as they look to rebuild their lives and recover from yet another tragedy.
