Borno Flood: Over 200 Inmates Flee Maiduguri Prison, 80% Of Zoo Animals Killed Or Escaped

Heavy flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, has led to the escape of over 286 inmates from the city’s medium-security prison, while about 80% of the animals at the local zoo have either been killed or have fled.

The flooding began last weekend and worsened on Monday, September 9, 2024, due to excessive water from the Alau Dam.

A collapse of one of the dam’s spillways caused a surge in water flow, intensifying the flood in surrounding areas.

The flood has affected neighborhoods in Shehuri, parts of the Government Residential Area, Gambomi, Budum, Bulabulin, Adamkolo, Millionaires Quarters, Monday Market, and Gwange.

Thousands of homes have been submerged, and over 150,000 people, including 23,000 households, have been impacted.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which disclosed this on Tuesday, said it has started evacuating affected residents and providing food, shelter, and medical aid.

NEMA has also opened Bakassi Camp to house those displaced by the flood and is working with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency to offer humanitarian assistance.

The agency described the flooding as unprecedented, affecting parts of the city that have not seen such events in years.

In addition to the damage to homes, the flood has overwhelmed the city’s zoo, where 80% of the animals have died, and some have escaped.

Reports indicate that dangerous animals, including crocodiles and snakes, have been seen roaming the city.

The Federal Government is coordinating evacuation efforts for the affected communities, while local authorities continue to manage the aftermath of the disaster.

KanyiDaily had reported how thousands of people were forced to leave their homes due to severe flooding in Maiduguri.