More than 280 inmates have escaped from a correctional facility in Maiduguri following severe flooding, raising security concerns and prompting an urgent search for the escapees.
Severe flooding in the capital city on Tuesday resulted in reportedly over 286 inmates escaping from the Maiduguri medium security custodial centre.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has already arrived in Maiduguri to evaluate the effects of the floods on the facility.
Despite this, Umar Abubakar, the spokesperson for the service revealed that efforts are being made by the federal government to evacuate the correctional centre.
Umar provided an assurance to the public stating that the service is collaborating with other security agencies in taking crucial steps towards guaranteeing safety for all.
The evacuation of inhabitants from the flooded communities in North-Eastern city, caused by severe flooding, has also been initiated by the Federal Government.
According to an announcement made by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday, efforts are being made towards providing aid such as food, shelter and medical assistance for those affected.
Excessive water from the Alau Dam caused a flooding predicament in Maiduguri, Borno State. The distressing situation commenced last weekend and amplified during the early hours on Monday, September 9th, 2024.
The collapse of a spillway at Alau Dam caused an extensive surge in water flow downstream, thereby worsening the flooding problem in nearby regions.
Shehuri, parts of the Government Residential Area (G.R.A.), Gambomi, Budum, Bulabulin, Adamkolo, Millionaires Quarters and Gwange are among the areas affected by the incident. Monday Market is also included in this list.
Consequently, Bakassi Camp has been made available by the Borno State Government to receive individuals affected by the flood, according to NEMA.
“We are collaborating with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency to offer humanitarian aid to those in distress at the camp,” said a portion of the statement.
NEMA reacted promptly following President Tinubu’s instructions to immediately take action and provide assistance to those affected by the floods.
Extraordinary occurrence
The flash flood that occurred in Maiduguri on Tuesday has been characterized by NEMA as an unparalleled occurrence.
On Tuesday, according to AFP, NEMA spokesman Ezekiel Manzo stated that it was an extraordinary event: “Certain areas in the heart of town which have been devoid of flooding for years are now experiencing it.”
The Alau dam on the Ngadda River, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Maiduguri, has ruptured and caused a rapid increase in water levels that have submerged numerous homes.
According to Surajo Garba, the zonal coordinator for NEMA, more than 150,000 individuals and over 23,000 households have been affected in the past three days.
Garba predicted that the number of individuals affected will exceed 200,000 as more locations are impacted.
During his visit to the area, Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated that the flood first started over the weekend and gradually worsened due to an overflow of water from Alau Dam. He mentioned that Maiduguri is his hometown.
Shettima stated that as a result of the spillway’s collapse, there was a substantial increase in water flow downstream which led to extensive flooding in neighboring regions.
The post office and main zoo of the city were also submerged by the flood. Officials cautioned that “dangerous animals have been swept into our neighborhoods (sic).”
Pictures of an ostrich, rumored to have fled from the premises, roamed throughout the city streets as observed on social media.
This aerial view shows people wading through flood water next to submerged houses in Maiduguri on September 10, 2024. (Photo by Audu MARTE / AFP)
A general view of flood water surrounding an entrance to a school in Maiduguri on September 10, 2024 Photo by Audu MARTE – AFP
This aerial view shows houses submerged under water in Maiduguri on September 10, 2024_1_Photo by Audu MARTE-AFP
This aerial view shows houses submerged under water in Maiduguri on September 10, 2024_6_Photo by Audu MARTE-AFP
This aerial view shows houses submerged under water in Maiduguri on September 10, 2024_1_Photo by Audu MARTE-AFP
Source: AFP
