Wild animals roam Maiduguri as flood destroys zoo

A devastating flood has ravaged Maiduguri, Borno State, forcing wild animals out of the Maiduguri Zoo and also submerging a cemetery.

The disaster has left hundreds of residents trapped, with many houses, roads, and official buildings, including the Emir’s palace, underwater.

Concerned civic groups have raised the alarm, describing the situation as “very pathetic.” The Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Lake-Chad Basin, Ahmed Shehu, expressed concerns about the fate of the escaped animals and the potential harm they could cause to the community.

“The situation is so dire. The water flooded the zoo at midnight. Though no one can tell the situation of the animals, but definitely, they will scamper for safety and in the process cause harm to the community,” Shehu said.

The flood has also posed serious public health threats, with the Christians cemetery submerged and wild animals roaming freely. The CSOs have urged the state government to activate emergency response mechanisms to curtail the situation and protect citizens from the wild animals.

“It’s very sad. The situation is beyond one’s imagination and calls for activation of emergency response mechanisms by all stakeholders,” Shehu added.

The Executive Director of the Network of CSOs in Borno state, Bulama Abiso, has called on CSOs and Community-Based Organizations to offer vital emergency aid to the affected communities.

“In light of this pressing humanitarian crisis, the Network of Civil Society Organizations Borno State is calling on all CSOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) under its wing to extend their assistance to the affected communities,” Abiso said.

The situation remains dire, with many families left devastated and homeless. The CSOs have urged the government to provide essential aid, including food, shelter, and non-food items, to the affected communities.

As the situation continues to unfold, concerns about the safety and well-being of the residents and the escaped animals remain paramount.

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