On Thursday, September 5, 2024, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, directed the Secretary to the State Government to assess the Aloe Dam for a potential overflow due to this year’s heavy rainfall. The Aloe Dam, which supplies water to Maiduguri, is located 4 to 5 kilometers outside the city in Konduga Local Government Area. Despite the State Government’s intervention, on September 9, residents began noticing water inflow at around 7 p.m., which led to widespread flooding by 10 p.m., submerging about 70% of Maiduguri. Governor Zulum, who was on a state engagement abroad, immediately returned to manage the crisis.
Upon his return, Governor Zulum received Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led a federal delegation to Maiduguri for immediate response and evacuation efforts. The Vice President, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), announced a presidential directive for the immediate distribution of 50 trucks of rice to affected residents.
During a courtesy visit to the Sh
ehu of Borno, Vice President Shettima expressed the federal government’s support, stating, ‘We are here on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to stand with the people of Borno and offer assistance to those affected.’ He was accompanied by key federal officials, including the Minister of Agriculture, NEMA’s Director General, and the Federal Commissioner for the Refugee Commission. The Vice President emphasized that the scale of the disaster exceeded the capacity of the Borno State government and called for additional support from the private sector and international organizations.
The Shehu of Borno thanked the Vice President for his swift response and federal support. He recalled a similar flood disaster in 1994 but noted that the current situation was far worse, describing it as an act of God.
Governor Zulum announced cash relief for victims, ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 individuals, with each receiving 10,000 Naira. In a press briefing, the Governor attributed the flooding to this year’s unprece
dented rainfall, likely exacerbated by climate change, and the release of water from Cameroon. He also highlighted the role of human activities, such as building in waterways, which compromised canal functions and worsened the flooding.
The flooding in Maiduguri has been described as one of the most catastrophic events in Borno State’s history, necessitating urgent local, national, and international aid.
The federal government, through NEMA, the Refugee Commission, the Nigerian Army, and the State Emergency Management Agency, is working to provide immediate relief to approximately one million flood victims. However, the scale of the disaster requires additional support from NGOs and international donors to ensure adequate evacuation, food, shelter, and preventive measures against diseases like cholera.
Source: Voice of Nigeria