At least eight buildings have collapsed following a torrential downpour that submerged major streets in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, in the early hours of Wednesday. The devastating flood left hundreds of residents stranded, with properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
According to initial reports from the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), the rainfall began late Tuesday night and continued into the morning, overwhelming the city’s drainage systems. The worst-hit areas include Galadima, Gwange, Bulabulin, and Customs, where the collapsed buildings—mostly residential—were located.
Emergency response teams have since been deployed to conduct rescue operations and provide temporary shelter to affected families. While no fatalities have been confirmed at this time, several individuals reportedly sustained injuries and have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
BOSEMA Director-General, Hajiya Yabawa Kolo, expressed concern over the increasing frequency of floods in the state and called for urgent urban planning reforms and improved drainage infrastructure. “This incident highlights the dire need for sustainable environmental management and strict enforcement of building codes. We must prioritize the safety of our people,” she stated.
Local authorities are also warning residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert and relocate to higher ground, as further rainfall is predicted over the coming days.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed relevant agencies to assess the full extent of damage and provide relief to the displaced. “We will not abandon our people in this difficult time. Every effort will be made to rebuild and restore affected communities,” he assured.