Heavy rain in Maiduguri on Wednesday collapsed eight buildings and displaced several families.
Police launched emergency response and urged residents to avoid floodwaters for safety reasons.
Early morning rainfall on Wednesday caused severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, leading to the collapse of eight buildings and the displacement of several families.
The downpour, which began around 6:15 am and lasted for about three hours, affected many areas including Bulumkutu, Abuja, Moduganari, Ngomari, and other communities located near riverbanks.
Speaking with reporters, a resident of Bulumkutu, Ahmodu Ibrahim, recounted how floodwater entered his home around 8 am, forcing him to flee with his wife and children.
“I started seeing water coming in after an hour of the rain. I immediately took my children and wife to a safe area,” he said.
Aisha Suraju, who owns a shop in one of the affected areas, said she lost her goods to the flood. “My provisions, especially the ones on the floor, were all destroyed,” she lamented.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that it has mobilized officers for emergency response and to safeguard affected areas. According to a statement from the police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, eight buildings were destroyed by the flooding, but no lives were lost.
“In the wake of the heavy rainfall that affected parts of Maiduguri, Gomari, Bulumkutu, Jidari, ITE, and others, the Borno State Police Command has swiftly carried out on-the-scene assessments and deployed patrol teams across the impacted areas,” the statement said.
“To prevent looting and other crimes, officers have been stationed at key locations to protect evacuated homes and properties.”
The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmaji, praised the prompt action of officers involved in the rescue efforts. He also advised residents to stay calm and warned parents to keep children away from floodwaters to avoid potential hazards.
