Early Wednesday morning, heavy rainfall battered Maiduguri, collapsing eight buildings and displacing residents.
The three-hour downpour, starting at 6:15 am, severely impacted riverbank communities like Bulumkutu, Abuja, and Ngomari.
Floodwaters submerged homes, forcing families to flee with little warning.
Residents shared harrowing accounts of the disaster.
Ahmodu Ibrahim from Bulumkutu recounted how rising waters invaded his home by 8 am. “I grabbed my family and rushed to safety when the flooding began,” he explained.
Similarly, trader Aisha Suraju lost her entire stock as floodwaters destroyed her shop.
“All my goods stored on the floor were ruined,” she lamented.
Authorities responded swiftly to the crisis. The Borno State Police Command deployed teams for rescue operations and damage assessment.
ASP Nahum Daso confirmed eight building collapses but noted no fatalities.
Police patrols secured abandoned properties to prevent looting while assisting displaced families.
Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmaji praised officers for their rapid response.
He also warned parents to keep children away from floodwaters due to drowning risks.
Meanwhile, emergency teams continue evaluating the damage and aiding affected households.
Many residents now face homelessness and property losses.
The disaster highlights Maiduguri’s vulnerability to flooding, especially in riverside areas.
Poor drainage and weak structures worsened the impact, leaving families scrambling for shelter.
As cleanup efforts progress, officials urge communities to heed weather alerts and avoid flood-prone zones.
Moving forward, stakeholders must address urban planning gaps to mitigate future flooding.
Strengthening infrastructure and early warning systems could save lives and property.
For now, displaced residents rely on temporary shelters as they await long-term solutions.
The incident underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient urban development in flood-prone regions.
In conclusion, while Maiduguri recovers from this disaster, proactive measures remain crucial.
Authorities must enforce building codes and improve drainage to prevent recurring damage.
Community awareness campaigns can also empower residents to take preventive actions before future floods strike.