Nigeria’s vice-president arrives in Maiduguri to oversee ongoing relief efforts and to interact with thousands of people displaced in ‘the most catastrophic floods in three decades’. 

A manhunt is under way for prisoners who escaped when part of a wall at the Maiduguri New Prison collapsed in Borno State’s most devastating flood disaster in three decades.

Members of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), more commonly referred to as Boko Haram, are believed to be among the more than 200 inmates who got away.

The New Prison is the largest correction centre in Borno State.

Abubakar Umar, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, said the escape was being investigated and a statement would be released later.

More that 250,000 persons have been displaced in the deluge and more than 35,000 houses destroyed. Flood victims are still stranded in the Gamboru, Mashamari, Maimusari and Tandari wards of Maiduguri.

Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima arrived in the Borno State capital on Tuesday for an “on-the-spot” assessment of the havoc wreaked by raging waters and widespread flooding in the metropolis and surrounding areas.

He assured the Borno State government of the federal government’s commitment to support efforts to alleviate the suffering of the flood victims.

Shettima has been visiting displaced persons camps set up for the victims. He also paid a visit to the Shehu of Borno to express his sympathy and support to those affected.

He promised flood victims that the federal government would prioritise the welfare of affected communities.

He said the severity of the flood had far exceeded estimates and described it as “the most catastrophic in three decades”.

He directed relevant government agencies to provide immediate relief, including temporary shelters, food and medical assistance.

Shettima arrived in the Borno State capital late on Tuesday afternoon for an “on-the-spot” assessment of the havoc wreaked by raging waters and widespread flooding.

“I am deeply devastated by the flood that has engulfed Maiduguri and its environs. My heart goes out to the families who have tragically lost their homes and livelihoods in this calamity.

“Our grief is shared, but so is our resolve to offer support and comfort as you begin to recover from this disaster. Now, more than ever, we are compelled as a nation to come together to overcome the losses suffered and we are committed to finding lasting solutions to this recurring issue.”

The Borno State government has established displaced persons’ camps for flood victims at the Yerwa Government Girls Secondary School and the Ashiek Jarma Mega Primary School. Accommodation is also available at the Teacher’s Village Camp and in Dalori, Bakassi and Galtimari. More camps will be opened on Wednesday and in the coming days.

Late on Tuesday afternoon, displaced persons at Yerwa were seen desperately grabbing mattresses and other relief items from State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) officials.

The flood began when the Alau Dam – the primary source of drinking water for Maiduguri and surrounding areas, including the Jere Local Government Area – started overflowing. The collapse of the spillway unleashed surges of water downstream, causing the widespread flooding.

“Efforts are ongoing to evacuate and resettle residents in the affected areas, while ensuring the provision of food, shelter and medical assistance until the situation stabilises,” Shettima said.

“In response to our 2024 Flood Outlook, we had implemented comprehensive contingency plans and adopted proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts. The flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences.”

Shettima said the federal government would continue to work with the Borno State government to mobilise all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of all those affected.

Earlier on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu – who is out of the country on business – called for the evacuation of residents in communities hit by the floods.

“While the relevant authorities are still assessing the damage caused by the flood, the president calls for the immediate evacuation of people from the affected areas,” read a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy.

“President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.

“President Tinubu assures governor Babagana Zulum that the federal government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.

“He has ordered the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims.”

Onanuga said Tinubu was committed to mobilising federal resources to support the Borno State during this difficult time.

Mamman Mahmood