Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has pointed fingers at individuals who have constructed homes on riverbanks for obstructing the flow of water from the Ngada River, which suffered significant damage during the recent flooding.
Following the devastating floods, Zulum undertook an assessment of critical infrastructure impacted by the disaster, including roads, bridges, and hospitals in Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas.
During his tour, he visited essential government facilities, such as the Gwange Maternity Hospital, various road networks, and the Fori and Moro-Moro markets, as well as the Gwange bridges.
Zulum expressed deep concern over the extensive destruction caused by the floods, stating, “The destruction was enormous; you can see we had just visited one place. It is very unfortunate that some people choose to build houses right inside the waterways, obstructing the water passage.”
He emphasized that if these obstructions were not present, the floodwaters could have flowed into lowland areas without severely affecting the main city.
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The Governor highlighted the alarming fact that, despite multiple warnings, many residents continued to erect structures in high-risk zones, leading to the inundation of more than 70% of Maiduguri.
Zulum firmly stated, “We will not forfeit the lives and properties of the entire people of Borno just for a few individuals,” underscoring the need for action against those who build in vulnerable areas.
He instructed the Borno State Ministry of Works and Housing, the Borno State Information Geographic System, and various security agencies, including the police and DSS, to prevent any further construction within the waterways.
The Governor announced plans to form a committee tasked with reviewing existing constructions in these areas, which will then recommend appropriate measures to the Federal Government.
The recent floods, described as the worst in Maiduguri in over three decades, have resulted in widespread damage, displaced numerous communities, and disrupted the movement of essential goods, prompting urgent action from state authorities.
