Maiduguri on edge as Alau Dam threatens to flood river banks

Residents of Maiduguri are in a state of alarm as River Yedzaram overflows its banks, exacerbating flooding concerns.

The situation is dire with Alau Dam, which is now at full capacity, expected to release excess water into the river soon.

“The flooding from the river is expanding in the Bulabulin area, and people have started moving out,” said Abubakar Ibrahim, a resident.

Mustapha Ali from Gwange Ward expressed fear of further calamity, stating, “We are in distress and afraid that more rainfall or release of excess water from the dam can spell more doom for us.”

Substantial flooding has already impacted Gwange Ward, with some buildings and farmlands submerged and areas like the customs zone, College of Agriculture, and 505 estates experiencing severe inundation.

Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, Secretary to the Borno State Government, has visited Alau Dam to assess the situation and assured residents that safety measures are being coordinated with the Chad Basin Development Authority.

Recent heavy rains have caused flooding in several LGAs, including Biu, Chibok, and Konduga.