THE Borno State Police Command has revealed that the recent flood in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital has taken over 15 per cent of the city.
The Command has however promised to work and provide security for agencies responsible for mitigating the effect of the flood.
The flood crisis in Maiduguri has left residents of the northeast state panicking and The ICIR earlier reported that the Maiduguri Zoo, popularly referred to as Sanda Kyarimi Park located in the city centre has been overtaken by water and animals released has caused fear among the residents.
In a chat with The ICIR on Tuesday, September 10, the spokesperson of the police command, Nahum Kenneth Daso confirmed that the flood has affected other places aside from the city but said that the situation is under control.
“From the angle of the police and security, we have been maintaining ground, collaborating with other agencies like NEMA, BEMA, and Borno state government. It is unfortunate that we are overwhelmed by water. Fifteen (15) per cent of the capital city is overwhelmed by water,” Daso stated.
Speaking on the Maiduguri Zoo, Daso said, “The area around the zoo has been taken over by water but on the issue of animals out of the zoo, I can’t confirm that.”
Residents who spoke to The ICIR say the areas affected will be more than 15 per cent. .
According to a resident areas like Modugari, Burunkutu and Lagos Street have been submerged and people are already moving away from the area.
He added that other places including including roads, government offices, markets, and the Shehu’s palace have been submerged.
More than 80% of animals in Zoo lost – Official
In a statement the general manager, Borno State Museum Park, Ali Abatcha Don Best, announced that the flood disaster has disrupted and caused damages to properties.
The statement added that the zoo has lost more than 80 per cent of the animals within the facility.
The statement partly read, “the recent flood disaster has disrupted and caused a damage to properties and loss of lives of more than 80% of the animals.”
“In this devastating period of flood disaster, The general manager wishes to also announce that some deadly animals have been washed away into our communities, animals like crocodiles and snakes, he called on the attention of the General public to be aware and take all the necessary precautions measures to avoid these animals.”
He assured the public of the safety and protection of the remaining animals.
A devastating flood hit Maiduguri early Tuesday morning, around 1 a.m., submerging part of the city, several areas and displacing families.
Several persons said the the flood was caused by the breakdown of the Alau Dam which serves as the city’s water reservoir. However, this is not yet confirmed by officials sources.
A reporter with the ICIR
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