Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, of Borno state, has ordered the immediate activation of all government resources to avert further flood disaster in Maiduguri, the state capital and surrounding areas.
The directive comes amid concerns over the possible overflow of the Alau Dam, which supplies water to Maiduguri’s treatment plants for domestic use and irrigation.
Dishing out the directives through his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, he emphasizes the need for urgent action to prevent flooding, as the region has witnessed an unusually high volume of rain this year.
He expressed concern over the threat of flooding across the state and directed all relevant government agencies and local councils to assess vulnerable areas, implement preventive measures, and raise public awareness in affected communities.
He was also observed to have urged residents to remain vigilant, follow emergency protocols, and cooperate with authorities to ensure safety.
Highlighting several steps the government has taken, including identifying high-risk flood zones and constructing temporary barriers, as well as establishing emergency evacuation routes, he noted that Borno has a standing flood mitigation committee, which has overseen drainage improvements and other measures to reduce the risk of flooding.
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“We cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this impending challenge, it is crucial that we mobilize all resources, engage stakeholders across communities, and implement effective measures to safeguard our people.”
As part of long-term solutions, the government as made known by him, is working on projects to harvest water for irrigation, reinforce riverbanks, and desilt the Ngada River to prevent erosion and flooding in Maiduguri and nearby areas.
The governor, also tasked the Secretary to the Borno State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bukar Tijani, with the responsibility of coordinating the flood emergency response.
Residents of Maiduguri and its environs, as observed by The Trumpet, are still counting their losses following the recent flood that wrecked havocs in the state.
