Crocodile, snakes, dangerous animals take over, as flood ravages zoo, houses in Maiduguri

Following the devastating flood that swept through parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, crocodiles, snakes, and other dangerous animals have reportedly taken over the affected areas, particularly around the Post Office and Monday Market, located near Shehu Kyarimi Park (Zoo).

It was gathered that several areas were submerged, including parts of the University of Maiduguri and its Teaching Hospital, Gwange, Moromoro, State Low-Cost, the 500 Abbagana Housing Estate, the popular Monday Market, Lagos Street, the NUJ Centre, and even the Government House.

The state government on Monday issued a high alert and closed down schools as the flood submerged several homes before the Alau Dam eventually collapsed on Tuesday morning.

After the dam filled up last week, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, called for the immediate evacuation of residents from the riverbank areas.

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“Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we urge all the residents living along the river bank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties.” Tar said.

The flooding has forced thousands of people to leave their homes and has destroyed property worth billions of naira.

As of press time, thousands of residents were seen evacuating their belongings to safer areas like Bulumkutu, Gomari Airport, and Tashan Baga, while victims have called for urgent government assistance.

The disaster comes at a time when Governor Babagana Zulum is out of the country, and his deputy, Umar Kadafur, is away on annual leave.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Borno Command, ASP Kenneth Daso, has since urged the public to remain vigilant as the police and other relevant agencies work to safeguard lives and property during this critical time.