At least 286 inmates reportedly escaped from the Maiduguri Medium Security Custodial Centre following severe flooding in the capital city on Tuesday. The flooding, caused by the collapse of one of the spillways of the Alau Dam, has devastated large parts of Maiduguri, leaving thousands of homes submerged and residents displaced.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, arrived in Maiduguri to assess the impact of the flood on the facility. In a statement, Umar Abubakar, the spokesman for the Nigerian Correctional Service, confirmed the inmate escape and reassured the public that the government is working to ensure public safety.
“The service is collaborating with sister security agencies to take the necessary measures to ensure public safety,” Abubakar said.
In response to the crisis, the Federal Government has begun evacuating residents from flood-affected areas. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is also providing food, shelter, and medical assistance to victims.
“The last three days have seen over 150,000 individuals with over 23,000 households affected,” NEMA Zonal Coordinator Surajo Garba said. “We are sure the figure will be much over 200,000 individuals.”
NEMA described the flooding as an “unprecedented incident,” with central parts of the city experiencing flooding for the first time in years. “Some of the central parts of the city that have not witnessed floods in so many years are witnessing it today,” NEMA spokesman Ezekiel Manzo told AFP.
The areas affected include Shehuri, Gambomi, Millionaires Quarters, Monday Market, and others. The Borno State Government has opened Bakassi Camp to house displaced residents. NEMA is coordinating efforts with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency to provide humanitarian assistance.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered NEMA to assist victims of the disaster immediately. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who hails from Maiduguri, also visited the region, describing the flood as a result of the dam’s collapse.
“The collapse of the spillways unleashed a significant surge of water downstream, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding communities,” Shettima stated.
The government continues to monitor the situation closely as rescue and relief efforts are underway.