President Bola Tinubu visited Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday to assess the devastating floods that have submerged 70 per cent of the city.
The President’s visit came shortly after his return from the United Kingdom, as the Federal Government swiftly established Internally Displaced Persons camps to provide shelter for affected residents.
Upon landing at Maiduguri International Airport, President Tinubu was welcomed by Governor Babagan Zulum and other officials, as seen in a video shared on X.
The National Emergency Management Agency reported that the flooding began after the Alau Dam overflowed due to heavy rains.
The floods have severely impacted the local wildlife, with 80 per cent of the animals at Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo reported to have died, marking Borno State’s worst flooding event in three decades, according to the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and local residents.
NEMA stated that more than 23,000 households have been affected. The floodwaters had previously submerged 70 per cent of Maiduguri, impacting major areas including the Shehu of Borno’s palace, the state secretariat, post office, cemetery, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, houses, schools, and commercial and worship centers.
In response to the disaster, President Tinubu expressed deep concern and urged government agencies to accelerate rescue efforts. He also called for the immediate evacuation of residents in flood-affected areas.
