Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, was recently struck by a devastating flood that displaced thousands of residents, destroyed properties worth millions of naira, and claimed numerous lives. The flood was triggered by the breach of the Alau Dam in Konduga Local Government Area on September 10, 2024, affecting over 40% of Maiduguri’s metropolis, including the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.
The flood displaced approximately 400,000 people and wreaked havoc on critical infrastructure, including schools, banks, the zoo, and a section of the old correctional facility in the city. Amid the chaos, there is growing concern that some inmates, including key Boko Haram leaders, may have escaped from the prison during the flood.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, voiced his fears in an interview with BBC Hausa on September 14, 2024. He expressed serious concern about the possible escape of Boko Haram leaders, emphasizing the impact of the flood on the state’s ongoing efforts to stabilize and rebuild following years of insurgency.
Governor Zulum highlighted the Borno State Government’s rehabilitation program, known as the Borno Model of Rehabilitation, which has led to the repentance of over 200,000 Boko Haram members and their families in the past two years. However, the flood has presented a new challenge, compounding the state’s already strained humanitarian situation.
Zulum lamented the heavy toll that insurgency had taken on the state, citing the deaths of more than 300,000 people, the destruction of thousands of classrooms, and the collapse of hundreds of facilities. He added that the flood had created a serious humanitarian crisis, and stressed that the state government alone could not handle the overwhelming needs of the affected population.
Plans are underway to resettle the victims in camps to better organize the distribution of aid, with Zulum emphasizing the importance of preventing further casualties during relief efforts.