The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has attributed the collapse of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State, which resulted in widespread flooding, to a lack of coordination and promptness among government agencies.
The disaster, which affected 70% of the metropolis, was predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), but no concrete actions were taken to prevent it.
According to RDI, the flooding began a week ago and reached its peak on Tuesday, displacing residents of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, Bulabulin, and other communities. The incident has submerged thousands of homes, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno and government facilities, and caused a jail break and escape of animals from the Museum Park, further endangering residents.
Reports indicate that 80% of animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park zoo died as a result of the incident.
RDI’s Executive Director, Philip Jakpor, stated that the collapse was avoidable and represents a failure in governance at all levels. He emphasized that a dam does not collapse suddenly without notice, and proactive management would have released water gradually to avoid a breach. Jakpor pointed out that the federal and state governments have collected N40 billion in Ecological Funds this year alone, but failed to take proactive measures to address perennial floods.
READ ALSO: Police crack Imo state kidnap ring Cracked, arrest five suspects, rescue victim
Flood cuts off five communities, kills two, displaces 1,000 in S’ Kaduna
Maiduguri Flood: NEDC conducts assessment on level of destruction assessment
Jakpor called for accountability for the failure to prevent the disaster and urged states to take proactive measures to avoid similar incidents. He also stressed the need for effective and proactive coordination between the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and their state counterparts in response to flooding incidents.
The RDI boss warned that other states should take a cue from the incident and take proactive measures to avoid similar happening, noting that monster floods are predicted to happen in the Niger Delta region. He emphasized that until preemptive measures are taken to address the fallouts of climate change, Nigeria will continue to suffer economic losses and needless loss of lives.