Nigeria: Tinubu Visits Borno to Assess Devastating Flood Impact

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has arrived in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, in the northern region of the country to express solidarity with the government and residents, following a devastating flood that wreaked havoc across the region.

The President landed at Maiduguri International Airport on Monday, where he was received by Governor Babagana Zulum and other state officials.

The flood, which has been described as the worst in Maiduguri in 30 years, was triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam after days of heavy rainfall.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the dam’s rupture led to widespread flooding that submerged nearly half of Maiduguri, impacting over 23,000 households.

President Tinubu’s visit aims to assess the damage to residential areas, schools, hospitals, markets, and public infrastructure affected by the floodwaters.

Reports from the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and residents highlight that vital city locations such as the Shehu of Borno’s palace, the state secretariat, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital were severely impacted.

The flooding also caused significant losses at Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo, where 80% of the animals were washed away. Schools, commercial areas, and religious centers were not spared either, leaving many in the community devastated.

As of Wednesday, NEMA reported that the floodwaters had begun to recede, but the damage left in its wake has raised urgent concerns about long-term recovery efforts.

The President had earlier voiced his concerns about the flooding and instructed government agencies to expedite rescue and relief operations while urging the evacuation of those in the most affected areas.