Ola Williams Abuja –
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has reported that severe flooding in Maiduguri, the state’s capital, has affected over two million people after the Alau Dam collapsed.
The dam, which had been at full capacity for a week, broke early Tuesday morning, causing the worst floods the region has experienced in thirty years.
Speaking to BBC News, Governor Zulum described the extent of the damage, explaining that the full impact, including the death toll, won’t be known until the floodwaters recede. “The devastation is immense, and our priority right now is to assess the damage and provide immediate relief to the affected communities,” Zulum stated.
Emergency services and local authorities are racing to address the crisis, coordinating efforts to deliver aid and meet the urgent needs of those displaced by the disaster.
The flood has destroyed large tracts of land, creating a dire situation for millions of residents.Despite the current crisis, Governor Zulum also highlighted recent progress in Borno’s security situation, pointing out that over 200,000 former Boko Haram members and their families have reintegrated into society in the past two years.
“Over 200,000 Boko Haram members and their families have chosen a different path in the last two years,” Zulum said. “I believe this has contributed significantly to restoring peace and stability to Borno State.”
However, as flood recovery efforts continue, the governor emphasized that immediate attention must focus on addressing the widespread damage caused by the dam’s collapse.
