Group Faults Borno, FG Over Flooding, Displacement in Maiduguri

Story Summary:

• The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has criticised Borno State and federal authorities for their failure to prevent the severe flooding in Maiduguri caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam on September 10, 2024.
• EDEN’s Executive Director, Chima Williams, highlighted the lack of proactive measures and ignored warnings from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), which led to extensive damage, including destroyed homes and displaced residents in several communities.
• Williams called for improved emergency management and urged the federal and state governments to provide temporary accommodation, food, and relief materials for the affected communities.

The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has criticised both the Borno State and federal governments, along with the state’s emergency response teams, for their failure to safeguard lives and property following the collapse of the Alau Dam, which resulted in devastating floods in Maiduguri.

The dam, located in Borno State, gave way on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, leading to massive flooding that submerged thousands of homes and displaced numerous residents across several communities in Maiduguri.

Reacting to the tragedy, Chima Williams, Executive Director of EDEN, expressed dismay over the inability of the dam’s management to foresee the rising water levels, which ultimately led to its collapse.

Williams pointed out that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had previously issued warnings, which were disregarded by both the federal and state governments, resulting in significant damage to the livelihoods of residents in Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, Bulabulin, and other flood-ravaged areas.

“In 30 years, this is the worst flooding Borno State has experienced, and it could have been avoided. Homes have been destroyed, people displaced, and schools shut down. This is a glaring indication of the failure of our emergency management system in Nigeria,” Williams stated.

He further criticised the lack of action by the country’s emergency management agencies, asserting that the disaster could have been prevented if these bodies had been proactive and efficient in their roles.

Williams urged other states to remain vigilant to prevent similar disasters and called on the federal and state governments to provide temporary shelters for the displaced, as well as food and relief materials to ease the suffering of the affected communities.