Borno State Governor Orders Immediate School Closures Due to Flooding

The Governor of Borno State has ordered the immediate closure of all schools in the state to prevent loss of lives amid severe flooding in Maiduguri, the state capital. This directive was issued by Engr Lawal Wakilbe, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Innovations, following consultations with stakeholders.

The flooding has severely impacted numerous communities across almost all local government areas, with Maiduguri, Jere, and other regions at high risk of further flooding in the next 24 to 48 hours.

The flood, which began a few days ago, reached its peak early Tuesday, displacing residents in Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, Bulabulin, and other parts of Maiduguri. The overflow of the Fori bridge, connecting Fori and Galtimari to Tashan Bama, has caused significant damage to homes.

Residents have been urged to avoid red-flagged areas, including Gwange, Bulabulin, Zoo Area, Post Office, Lagos Street, and Moduganari Bypass. The situation is described as dire, with major infrastructure such as the Lagos bridge and Moduganari bypass bridge already flooded.

The popular Maiduguri Zoo has also been submerged, forcing staff to relocate, with the fate of the animals still uncertain. The flooding is considered worse than the devastating flood of 1994, marking a critical moment for emergency response and community support.