President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, to offer his support to the state following the recent catastrophic flooding. Arriving at 3:40 pm, the president immediately visited one of the emergency camps to express solidarity with those displaced by the disaster.
During his visit, President Tinubu reassured flood victims of his government’s commitment to providing assistance. “I want to assure you that we will support you. We will help you. God bless you,” Tinubu said to the displaced families.
Joining the president on the visit were key officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari, and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director Mele Kyari. Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who had arrived earlier to inspect flood-affected police facilities, was also at the Maiduguri Air Force Base to receive the president.
Several governors were on hand to welcome President Tinubu, including Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who chairs the Governors’ Forum, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, and Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that the flood was triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam after torrential rains, causing Maiduguri’s worst flooding in 30 years. Over 23,000 households were affected as the Ngadda River, located 20 kilometers south of Maiduguri, swelled after the dam’s rupture. According to NEMA, the floodwaters have since receded after submerging 70% of the city.
The flood caused widespread devastation, including damage to landmarks such as the Shehu of Borno’s palace, the state secretariat, the post office, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. It also swept away 80% of the animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo and damaged homes, schools, commercial establishments, and places of worship.
Earlier, President Tinubu had expressed deep concern over the disaster and directed relevant agencies to accelerate rescue efforts and evacuate residents from flood-affected areas.
