Residents living along the banks of River Yedzaram in Maiduguri are growing increasingly anxious as the river has overflowed its banks.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the situation is further exacerbated by the impending release of excess water from the now full Alau Dam, which is expected to be discharged into the river soon.
In Gwange Ward, some buildings and farmland have already been submerged, and a stream known as Ngaddabul, which flows through Maduganari Ward, has similarly inundated properties and agricultural land.
“We are deeply worried and fear that additional rainfall or the release of water from the dam could lead to even greater flooding,” said Mustapha Ali, a Gwange resident. “Areas such as the customs area, College of Agriculture, and 505 estates are already experiencing significant flooding.”
Abubakar Ibrahim from Bulabulin Ward reported that residents are beginning to evacuate as the floodwaters continue to spread. “Flooding is worsening in Bulabulin, prompting some residents to leave the area,” Ibrahim noted.
In response to the situation, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, Secretary to the Borno State Government, visited the Alau Dam on Thursday to assess the situation. He assured residents that the state government is collaborating with the Chad Basin Development Authority, which manages the dam, to implement safety measures.
Recent heavy rains have also caused severe flooding in other areas of Borno State, including Biu, Chibok, Konduga, Bama, Dikwa, and Jere LGAs