Outcry As Floods Submerge Homes, Graveyards In Borno State

The floods recorded in some parts of Borno State following recent heavy downpours have submerged hundreds of homes in Maiduguri, the state capital.

It was learnt that many households were affected by the incident, with many mothers reportedly seen struggling to rescue their sleeping children from getting washed away.

Areas mostly affected in Maiduguri metropolis included Polo Jidari, Behind NNPC Depot, Bulunkutu area, Baga road, Shagari Low-Cost and London Chiki.

Our correspondent in the state reports that at Bulunkutu Kasuwa, a crowded area of Maiduguri, the flood did not only affect households but also submerged graveyards in the area.

While counting their losses, residents of the area said they have had no peace as a result of the dreaded floods. One of the residents, Bello Gana, said they needed urgent assistance from the state government to control the erosion threatening the area in order to forestall loss of lives and properties.

“Everyone vacated their homes; it was a serious distress. We have nowhere to go because most houses have either collapsed or they are totally submerged by the floods. Our fear is that the rainy season has just started in the state, the government should come to our aid by controlling the situation,” Bello said.

Bunu Kaka, a resident of Polo Jidari area, said the floods destroyed many houses in the area, adding that residents of flood-prone areas should be enlightened about the dangers that come with the floods.

“As you know, every year we experience this flood. Government needs to find a permanent solution to these problems. Imagine with the present economic situation, people are still losing their homes to flood, it is very painful.

Also, residents should be educated on why they should not build houses on the drainages,’’ he said. It was gathered that IDP camps were also flooded with many forced to stand throughout the night while children cried of cold weather.

Some of the displaced persons areas affected include Bakassi, Stadium, Bashir Krusho, NYSC, Muna garage and Custom House IDPs camps.