Maiduguri Residents Fear Flooding as River Yedzaram Overflows

Residents along the banks of River Yedzaram in Maiduguri are facing growing fears as the river has overflowed its banks, threatening their homes and livelihoods.

The situation has worsened with the news that the Alau Dam, which is now filled, may be opened soon to release excess water into the already-flooded river.

According to reports by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the river’s overflow has already submerged several buildings and farmlands in the Gwange Ward of Maiduguri.

Adding to the distress is the flooding of a stream known as Ngaddabul, which has also caused damage in Maduganari Ward.

A resident of Gwange, Mustapha Ali, expressed the community’s fears: “We are in distress and afraid that more rainfall or release of excess water from the dam can spell more doom for us. Already, some places like the customs area, College of Agriculture, and 505 estates are experiencing serious flooding from the rivers.”

The flooding has caused such severe concern that residents in some areas are now evacuating their homes. Abubakar Ibrahim, from Bulabulin Ward, explained: “The flooding from the river is expanding in the Bulabulin area, and people have started moving out.”

Meanwhile, in response to the crisis, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, led a team to Alau Dam on Thursday to assess the situation and consider necessary actions. He reassured the public that the state government is coordinating with the Chad Basin Development Authority, which manages the dam, to implement safety measures.

NAN also reported that the recent heavy rains across Borno State have resulted in severe flooding in several other Local Government Areas, including Biu, Chibok, Konduga, Bama, Dikwa, and Jere.

The combination of heavy rainfall and the potential release of excess water from the Alau Dam has worsened River Yedzaram flooding, leaving many residents in Maiduguri on edge.

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