As residents of Maiduguri and other Borno State communities grapple with the severe impact of flooding from Ngadda River, Save the Children (SCI) Nigeria has reported that over 150,000 children in 26 camps are struggling, with many separated from their families.
During a press conference in Abuja, Duncan Harvey, Country Director of SCI Nigeria, detailed the crisis after visiting the affected areas and meeting with Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum and other officials. Harvey described the flooding as “the worst disaster in living memory” and highlighted that over 1 million people across Borno State have been affected, with 400,000 displaced.
Among the displaced, 300,000 individuals have sought refuge in 26 camps, including the large Bakassi camp, where conditions are particularly harsh for children due to overcrowding and lack of basic services. Food and water shortages persist despite efforts to improve the situation.
Harvey emphasized the immediate need for food, water, and shelter, particularly for children and their families. He also reported that around 20 children in Bakassi camp had been separated from their families, and SCI’s child protection team is working to reunite them while providing interim care.
The flooding has exacerbated malnutrition issues, with many children facing heightened challenges during the lean season. Harvey praised the state government’s response but called for increased resources and better coordination to address the urgent needs.
SCI has deployed about 200 staff to assist with the response and is collaborating with the Borno State Government, UN, and other NGOs. Harvey stressed the importance of protecting children’s health and nutrition and ensuring they have access to safe drinking water. Therapeutic feeding programs will be implemented to address nutritional needs.