Flooding: Maiduguri Residents at Mercy of Fleeing Criminals, Crocodiles, Snakes

Ravaging flood in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital has left animals in the zoo dead and prisoners on the run.

80 percent of animals in the popular Sanda Kyari Zoo in Maiduguri were pronounced dead and properties destroyed following the flooding that erupted on Monday night as a result of the collapse of the Alau Dam at the outside of the town.

Dangerous animals such as crocodiles and snakes have been let loose by the flood which might have left the residents of the town equally at the mercy of fleeing criminals who broke loose from the prison.

A statement issued in Maiduguri on Tuesday by the General Manager of the zoo, Ali Abatcha said that deadly animals such as crocodiles and snakes have been washed away to the communities hence he called on communities to take necessary precautions to avoid the animals.

The statement read that: “In this devastating period of flood disaster, The General manager wish to also announce that some deadly animals has been washed away into our communities, animals like crocodiles and snakes,” he called on the attention of the General public to be aware and take all the necessary precautions measures to avoid these animals.

The statement added that: “With regret, sense of concern and responsibility, the General manager wish to ensure safety and protection for the remaining living things within his jurisdiction.”

At the Maiduguri New Correctional Centre along Abaganaran, inmates were said to have fled as the fence crave to flooding.

Speaking on the prison break, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Bala Adamu said they are still compiling the escapees.

Meanwhile, the University of Maiduguri and the Borno State University have shut down the schools following the raging flood that struck the how town.

A statement issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri by the acting senior assistant registrar II of Borno State University (BOSU) , Fatima Muhammad Audu, said the institution has to comply with the circular of the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and Innovation to close the University from today (Tuesday) to Monday, 16th September, 2024.

The statement read: ” I am directed to inform all Staff and Students that due to the ongoing flooding across Maiduguri and its adverse effect, the University Management has to comply with the circular of the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and innovation to close the University from today Tuesday, 10th September to Monday, 16th September 2024.

” In view of this development, all Students on Campus are advised to stay safe until the situation normalises. Management prays for strength and resilience of all those affected by the flood. May Allah grant them solace,” the statement said.

On his part, the University of Maiduguri has announced the temporary suspension of lectures and closure of offices until the flooding situation in Maiduguri improves.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Maiduguri by the registrar of the University , Ahmed Lawan which was obtained by our correspondent in Maiduguri.

The statement said,” This is to inform all staff and students that in view of the devastating flood disaster that is affecting Maiduguri and its environment, the University Management is hereby suspending all lectures in the University and closing offices temporarily with immediate effect until the situation improves.

“These measures are taken by the Management to safeguard staff and
students and to assess the situation before further necessary actions are
taken.

” The Management is extending its heartfelt sympathy to all staff and
students affected by the flood disaster and pray God to forestall future
occurrence,” the statement said.

In a related development, the Borno State government through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and Innovation has directed a statewide closure of all schools, both public and private, until Monday 23rd of September, 2024.

The closure was contained in a statement issued in Maiduguri by the acting director schools services, Grema Bulama, on behalf of the Commissioner Ministry of Education.

The statement read: ” Due to the ongoing flooding across the state and its adverse effects, the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation has directed a statewide closure of all schools, both public and private, until Monday, September 23rd, 2024.

” We urge all concerned parties to comply strictly with this directive, we
regret any inconvenience this notice may cause and appreciate your
understanding.”

Michael Olugbode