Thousands displaced as flood takes over major streets in Maiduguri

Thousands of residents have fled their homes following a devastating flood in parts of Maiduguri, Borno State capital. Daily Trust reports that most of the affected places are in Jere Local Government Area.B Borno state government had earlier ordered closure of schools over reports that the flood in the state could worsen within 48 hours. […]

Thousands of residents have fled their homes following a devastating flood in parts of Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

Daily Trust reports that most of the affected places are in Jere Local Government Area.B

Borno state government had earlier ordered closure of schools over reports that the flood in the state could worsen within 48 hours.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident, which began a week ago, reached its peak in the early hours of Tuesday.

Many residents of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin were displaced.

The State-owned Broadcasting Station BRTV and Post Office, Shehu Laminu way, and Custom Area, were also severely affected by the floodwaters.

A source told Daily Trust that Alao Dam collapsed early hour of Tuesday, posing severe threat to the residents of Maiduguri.

According to a victim, the floodwaters overflowed the Fori bridge, which connects Fori and Galtimari to Tashan Bama, and swept through homes with incredible force.

“Everyone should avoid post office, Monday market even the route behind the zoo along Hissan fueling station as the flood has taken over and the road is not motorable,” Refeal told

“We were alerted to pack our belongings at 12:30 AM, but before we could gather our clothes and school credentials, the water was already waist-deep in our house,’ said a resident of Galtimari.

A journalist working with Borno Radio Television (BRTV) said “Post Office area and our office BRTV have been submerged.”

Another resident, Bilyaminu Yusuf, said, “We are in a serious situation Lagos Street is flooded, we had to flee to Galtimari Primary School, leaving most of our belongings behind.”

Our Correspondent who visited some of the affected areas, confirmed that the floodwaters have submerged the Lagos Street Bridge, one of the largest bridges in the city.

Many residents were forced to abandon their homes and seek safety elsewhere, as other carry light properties on their heads.