President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, to offer his condolences and assess the damage caused by the recent catastrophic floods.
The President landed at Maiduguri International Airport and was welcomed by Governor Babagana Zulum and other officials.
Following his return to Nigeria from London on Sunday night, President Tinubu is set to evaluate the impact of the flooding on residential areas, hospitals, markets, schools, and other public facilities in Maiduguri.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that nearly half of Maiduguri was submerged after the Alau Dam overflowed due to heavy rainfall. This has been described as the worst flooding in the region in 30 years.
Over 23,000 households have been affected by the breach of the Alau Dam on the Ngadda River, located 20 km south of Maiduguri.
According to NEMA, the floodwaters had receded by Wednesday after inundating 70% of the city. The flood caused extensive damage, affecting major sites such as the Shehu of Borno’s palace, the state secretariat, the post office, the cemetery, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Additionally, the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo lost 80% of its animals, and numerous houses, schools, commercial, and worship centers were also damaged.
President Tinubu has previously expressed serious concern over the flooding and has urged government agencies to accelerate rescue operations and evacuate residents from the worst-affected areas
