Floods wreaked havoc across Maiduguri on Wednesday, July 30, after a heavy downpour toppled eight buildings and displaced many families.
According to reports, the rainfall began around 6:15 a.m. and continued for three hours, overwhelming several riverbank communities.
Affected areas include Bulumkutu, Abuja, Moduganari, Ngomari, and others close to the floodplain.
In Bulumkutu, residents scrambled for safety as water filled homes.
Ahmodu Ibrahim, a local father, rushed his family out around 8 a.m. “Water started seeping in just an hour after the rain began,” he told PUNCH. “I grabbed my wife and kids immediately.”
Meanwhile, shop owners also suffered significant losses.
Aisha Suraju, who runs a small store, reported that floodwaters ruined her goods. “Everything on the floor got soaked,” she said.
The police acted quickly after receiving distress calls.
According to a statement from ASP Nahum Daso, the command deployed patrol teams to affected areas. They also assessed the damage and assisted in rescue efforts.
Daso confirmed that eight buildings collapsed.
However, the police reported no injuries or fatalities. Officers now guard evacuated homes to prevent looting or further chaos.
To ensure order, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmaji, praised the swift response by his officers. He also urged residents to stay alert and follow safety protocols.
“Parents must watch their children,” he warned. “Do not let them play in floodwaters. It’s too risky.”
Flooding in Maiduguri remains a major concern each rainy season. The city’s poor drainage and rising population have increased flood risks. Despite early warnings, many areas still lack adequate defenses.
Emergency services continued operations into the evening.
Meanwhile, locals called on the state government to improve flood control infrastructure.
So far, displaced residents seek temporary shelter with relatives or in schools. Volunteers and NGOs have also begun relief efforts.
Clearly, as the rain season peaks, more storms could strike. Residents hope the authorities act fast to avoid more destruction.