UPDATED: President Tinubu Visits Borno to Assess Flood Damage and Impact on Residents

President Bola Tinubu arrives in Borno to evaluate the extent of flood damage, meet with affected communities, and discuss relief measures with local authorities.

Having the recent flood disaster in mind, President Bola Tinubu has made his way to Maiduguri, which acts as the capital of Borno State. His purpose is to sympathize with both citizens and government officials regarding their unfortunate situation.

At precisely 3:40 pm, the Nigerian leader made his way to one of the emergency shelters in order to express heartfelt sympathy with those affected by the flood.

The displaced persons at the camp were assured by President Tinubu that his government will be providing them with support.

Tinubu promised to provide his unwavering support and assistance, while offering blessings from God.

The President was accompanied by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture; and Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, welcomed the President at Maiduguri Air Force Base after visiting police facilities affected by flooding earlier in the day.

The Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed; Ahmed Ododo, Kogi’s governor; alongside Sokoto’s governor Ahmed Aliyu also welcomed President.

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According to both the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and residents of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, the flood in question reportedly resulted from heavy rains causing overflow at Alau Dam. This incident led to what has been described as the town’s most severe flooding occurrence over a three-decade period, according to reports by National Emergency Management Agency.

According to NEMA, over 23,000 households were impacted by the swift surge of water caused by the Alau Dam’s rupture on Ngadda River during the weekend. The dam is situated approximately 20 km south of Maiduguri.

According to NEMA, reports suggest that the water level had dropped after inundating 70% of Maiduguri.

Major landmarks in the city, such as the palace of Shehu Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi of Borno, state secretariat building, post office facility and cemetery were destroyed by the flood. Additionally, even University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital was negatively impacted.

80% of the animals at Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo were swept away by the flood, and it also inflicted damage to residences, educational institutions, as well as business and religious establishments.

President Tinubu had previously demonstrated his profound apprehension regarding the presence of flooding and urged pertinent government authorities to hasten their rescue operations. Moreover, he implored for the prompt evacuation of individuals inhabiting areas that have been engulfed by floods.