In the aftermath of a devastating flood in Maiduguri, Borno State, 281 inmates are now on the run, according to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The flood, which has affected over half of the city, has displaced over a million residents.
While initial reports suggested that the Alau Dam collapsed, the federal government clarified that the overflow of the Ngadda River was the primary cause.
The NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, revealed that the flood damaged several structures, including the medium-security custodial center and staff quarters.
Although the inmates were relocated to safer facilities with assistance from other security agencies, 281 individuals were found missing. The authorities are now working to recapture the escapees, with seven already returned to custody.
Abubakar assured the public that efforts to track down the remaining escapees were ongoing, and public safety remained unaffected by the incident.
NAF Provides Relief for Flood Victims
In response to the flood crisis, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun airlifting essential relief supplies to those affected. On September 14, 2024, NAF delivered the first batch of materials, including 300 bags of rice donated by the Nigerian Customs Service.
The relief was transported using a NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft and handed over to state officials for further distribution.
Additionally, NAF launched a medical outreach initiative, which includes providing essential medications and feeding over 2,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). This is part of the broader national effort to assist disaster victims. NAF Chief, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized the importance of ongoing support and collaboration between military and civil authorities to ensure that aid reaches all affected communities.
Seadogs Call for Accountability in Flood Aid
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, expressed concerns regarding the Maiduguri flood disaster and the federal government’s response. In a statement, NAS leader Dr. Joseph Oteri criticized the lack of preventative measures, despite earlier warnings about the state of the Alau Dam. He noted that the flood had worsened food insecurity in a region already struggling with conflict and displacement.
Oteri called on the government to ensure that the N3 billion in federal aid for flood relief is properly utilized and not misappropriated, as has been the case with previous disaster relief funds. NAS urged that transparent and effective use of the funds would be crucial in addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in Borno State.
Faulty Alau Dam Sparks Controversy
In response to claims surrounding the cause of the flood, a local group, Borno Concerned Citizens, clarified that the Alau Dam, which was responsible for part of the flooding, is a federal project. Built between 1984 and 1986, the dam was designed to collect water from the Ngadda River for domestic use and irrigation. However, the recent overflow has highlighted years of neglect and lack of maintenance.
The group emphasized that the Borno State government, led by Governor Umara Zulum, should not be blamed for the dam’s deterioration. They pointed out that the governor had recently sent a delegation to inspect the dam due to concerns over heavy rainfall this year.
