Millions Lost as Floods Sever Maiduguri, Forcing Schools and Businesses to Shut Down

Severe flooding has cut off Maiduguri, leading to the closure of schools and businesses and causing millions in losses, as residents struggle to cope with the devastating impact.

According to recent updates received by OBASANJONEWS from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno has been completely isolated from other parts of the state due to severe flooding.

While touring the town, our reporters shared heartrending narratives of livestock loss and closures of businesses and schools due to overwhelming floodwaters that had engulfed every part.

Residents in the affected areas, particularly near Shehu Kyarimi Park (Zoo), are experiencing an overwhelming sense of fear due to the presence of crocodiles, snakes and other hazardous animals that have taken over places such as Post Office and Monday Market general area.

According to reports, in addition to the Shehu’s palace, several locations including the University of Maiduguri and its Teaching Hospital, Gwange area, Moromoro community, State Lowcost housing estate 500 Abbagana housing estate; as well as popular landmarks such as Monday Market, Lagos Streets NUJ Centre and Government House have been inundated. This has resulted in millions having no homes with property worth billions Naira damaged.

At the moment this report is being filed, numerous individuals have reportedly relocated some of their possessions to more secure regions such as Bulumkutu, Gomari Airport, and Tashan Baga. Meanwhile, those affected plead for governmental assistance.

Earlier, Channels Television reported the announcement by Borno State Government of a two-week closure of both government and private schools due to floods currently occurring throughout the state.

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On Monday, the Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Innovation announced that a closure would be enforced following an examination tour to the Alo dam – a crucial water reservoir nourished by sources from Lake Chad.

Due to excessive rainfall causing flooding in riverine and flood-prone communities, the Alo Bank has experienced leakages.

On September 9, 2024, the academic session of 2024/2025 commenced.

According to a statement signed by Grema Bulama, the Acting Director of Schools Services, the reason for SSG Bukar Tijjani’s visit was due at the request of Governor Prof Babagana Zulum. The goal was to assess both conditions surrounding past floods in relation to water supply from a major dam that typically serves as an essential source for state capital residents.

It was confirmed by the Bauchi state government that this year’s flooding caused 24 deaths and severely affected 16 local government areas within the state.

Hajara Wanka, the Commissioner for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, reported that 122,330 households have been displaced while 163 individuals suffered severe injuries.

In the northern parts of the state, 12 major roads have been severed by floods. Besides, 60 culverts were washed away and a staggering number of houses amounting to 52,035 have suffered destruction while electric poles continue to collapse – with as many as 178 downed due to flooding. Tragically, over eleven thousand domestic animals perished in this natural disaster too