- Rev King, others missing as convicts break out of Borno prison
- Bauchi records ₦22bn losses, 22 deaths, 122, 330 homeless
- FG pledges urgent relief, Buhari, Ndume call for serious intervention
- NGF commiserates with Niger, Borno, Yobe over fatal accident, flooding
A prison break occurred at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Tuesday, due to severe flooding
The prison authorities confirmed that the escapees are considered highly dangerous and may be armed, heightening the threat to public safety in the state already facing insurgency.
Among those suspected missing is the Lagos cleric, Rev. King, who has been awaiting execution in the Maiduguri Correctional Centre for about 15 years.
However, authorities said a manhunt was underway to locate and recapture the escaped inmates, with law enforcement agencies mobilising additional resources.
Rising waters have breached security barriers and weakened structural supports, allowing inmates to break free from their confinement.
However, the Nigerian Correctional Service said it was taking measures to manage the fallout from severe flooding that has impacted its Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri.
The NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubukar, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
He said the NCoS has launched an emergency plan that includes evacuating inmates to safer facilities, coordinating with security and emergency agencies for support, and ensuring continuous operation of its services.
Abubakar noted that the NCoS officials were working diligently to manage the situation and secure the safe transfer of inmates.
The NCoS acknowledged the support from the Presidency and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Maiduguri, which has helped in assessing the situation.
The agency also pledged to keep the public informed with ongoing updates and remains committed to maintaining order and ensuring safety during this challenging period.
“As the agency responsible for the safekeeping of inmates, we want to assure the public that we are taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety, evacuate inmates to a safer facility, ensure smooth operations, and collaborate with sister security and relevant agencies in providing support and assistance to those affected.
“Contrary to initial reports, the officers and men of the command are working around the clock to ensure a smooth and secure transfer process.
“We appreciate the support and guidance from the Presidency and the Vice President’s visit to Maiduguri to assess the situation.”
Abubakar added, “We will continue to provide updates, and would like to assure the public that the NCoS is committed to maintaining order and ensuring public safety during this challenging time.”
The state’s capital, early Tuesday, was severely flooded after the Alau Dam collapsed, leaving much of the city underwater.
The current flooding is being compared to the 1994 floods, with residents saying it’s even worse this time around.
A video shared by the Nigerian Television Authority revealed multiple people stranded and unable to return to their homes due to the severe flooding, as hundreds of families had lost their homes, forcing many to spend the night outdoors.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, Garbai Elkenemi, and other parts of Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, was submerged by floodwaters.
It was gathered that the Shehu left his palace for the Government House, where he is currently taking refuge.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu called for the immediate evacuation of residents in communities overtaken by floods.
Tinubu also directed the relevant government agencies to expedite rescue efforts.
Also, thousands of residents in Maiduguri, Borno State capital and parts of Jere local government area are now stranded and displaced following the collapse of the dyke and overflow of Alau Dam which is about 10kms away from the metropolis.
Since last week, the state government led by the Secretary to the Government, Bukar Tijjani led a delegation to assess the situation of the dam and reassured the general public that there was no cause for alarm or panicking as measures would be taken to mitigate any disaster, but to no avail as the water flow into the city since Monday evening to date.
The incident has so far consumed many communities including the Shehu’s palace, Monday Market, Post Office area, Gwange, Moromoro Customs Bridge, Zoo, Bulabullin among others.
This is as in Yobe State; only five local government areas remain accessible to Damaturu the state capital.
These include Nangere, Potiskum, Fika, Fune and Gujba, while the other 12 local government areas such as Nguru, Jakusco, Gashua, Gaidam, and many more were totally cut off as flooding has destroyed bridges, roads, houses, and property worth billions of naira.
Bauchi records ₦22bn losses, 22 deaths, 122, 330 homeless
In the same vein, the Bauchi State government has confirmed that this year’s flooding has resulted in 24 deaths, and severely impacted 16 local government areas within the state.
Following an extraordinary state executive council meeting, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Wanka who briefed journalists, reported that the disaster had caused losses exceeding ₦22bn.
She noted that a high-powered committee has been established by the state governor to assess the damages, and monitoring of the situation continues as rainfall persists.
Wanka detailed that 163 people have been severely injured, and 122,330 households have been displaced.
The floods have cut off 12 major roads, primarily in the northern parts of the state.
Additionally, 60 culverts have been washed away, 52,035 houses have been destroyed, and 178 electric poles have collapsed.
The floods have also resulted in the loss of 11,183 livestock.
“We are collaborating with the ministries of health and education to evaluate the damage to schools and other health facilities,” Wanka said.
She described the situation as overwhelming and highlighted the state’s efforts to provide relief materials, including cash, food, and non-food items.
She said, “The state is working with the Federal Government to assess the damage and find lasting solutions.”
The governor has also approved additional funding for the renovation of culverts and for the procurement of essential supplies.
FG pledges urgent relief
The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the people and government of Borno State following severe flooding in Maiduguri and surrounding areas, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam.
The disaster has caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, properties, and critical infrastructure while displacing numerous families.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the government’s sympathies, particularly to those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
He assured residents of the federal government’s commitment to providing relief and support during this difficult time.
“President Bola Tinubu has directed relevant ministries and agencies to collaborate with the Borno State Government to mobilise resources for urgent assistance to affected communities.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, especially those who have lost their homes and means of livelihood. We stand with the families who have been displaced and deeply empathise with their pain and distress during this trying time.
“The Federal Government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, is acutely aware of the magnitude of the challenges posed by this disaster.
“He has since directed all the relevant ministries and agencies to collaborate with the Borno State Government in mobilising the necessary resources to provide urgent relief and assistance to those affected by the unfortunate incident,” Idris said.
Despite the tragedy, the Federal Government expressed confidence in the resilience of the people of Borno, noting their history of overcoming challenges.
The minister noted, “While we mourn the losses, the Federal Government has confidence in the strength and resilience of the people of Borno State, which has been demonstrated over the years.
“We have no doubt that, with the assistance of the government and the people of Nigeria, they will overcome this tragedy,” he said.
Buhari calls for urgent intervention as floods ravage homes, farmlands
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has also described the recent floods in Borno and several other states as a “national calamity.”
Buhari also extended his sympathies to the affected regions.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari expressed deep concern over the widespread destruction caused by incessant rainfall, which has resulted in the loss of lives and the destruction of homes and farmlands across the country.
The former president lamented the tragic impact of the floods, stating that he hoped relief measures by federal and state governments would provide much-needed support to the affected communities.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this natural disaster,” the former president said, offering his condolences to families who have lost loved ones and urging swift recovery efforts to restore normalcy to the lives of those displaced.
Ndume calls for urgent interventions
Similarly, the former Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, on Tuesday, sympathised with the people and government of Borno State, following a devastating flood that has submerged many homes and parts of the state capital, Maiduguri.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Ndume who represents Borno South called on the Federal Government to immediately intervene and support the state government in coming to the aid of affected residents and homes.
Senator Ndume, who just returned from Borno, where he reached out to families affected by insurgency in the Southern Senatorial District of the state, said he is devastated by the news report about the ravaging flood.
The former Senate Chief Whip said all hands must be on deck, including development partners and other agencies of government, to immediately mobilise and come to the aid of affected residents and homes in Maiduguri.
He said the state government, being very proactive, has already activated all mechanisms to salvage the situation by evaluating people from affected areas and providing the needed support.
He, however, lamented that the gravity of the damage by the flooding is beyond the state government, hence the need for the Federal Government to immediately step in and assist the residents in getting the needed support.
Already, some institutions and government agencies have shut down.
The University of Maiduguri has been closed until further notice.
The university management announced the temporary closure in a statement on Tuesday by its registrar, Ahmad Lawan, the institution, sympathised with staff members and students affected by the disaster.
Ndume said, “What has happened in my dear state capital, Maiduguri is unfortunate. The level of damage is very bad. I’ve been briefed, and what I’ve heard isn’t something we should take lightly.
“Homes, institutions, government agencies, and other businesses have been submerged in the flood. Many people are trapped and are trying to evacuate. I’m worried that the situation may get worse unless the Federal Government immediately steps in to assist the state government in salvaging the situation.
“I’m also calling on various international partners, development agencies, and men of goodwill to do something urgent before we witness the kind of human disaster in Maiduguri that will be unimaginable.
“I’m in touch with my colleagues, the state government, its officials, and other stakeholders on what we can do to solve the situation. I hope that in the future, we’ll be able to guide against this occurrence. This is a serious disaster, and we need the prayers and support of every Nigerian,” he added.
NGF commiserates with Niger, Borno, Yobe over fatal accident, flooding
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has also sent its condolences to the government and people of Niger State on the death of 48 people and several livestock in a petrol tanker explosion along Bida-Agaie-Lapai Highway in the state.
The NGF, in a statement on Tuesday by its chairman, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, specifically commiserated with the families of the victims, prayed for the repose of their souls, and wished safe recovery for those injured in the accident.
The Forum said the incident again underscored the need for all road users to prioritise safety at all times.
The NGF similarly expressed its firm solidarity with the governments and people of Borno and Yobe States as flooding ravages parts of and displaces thousands of residents of Maiduguri city and Jere (both in Borno) and some local government areas of Yobe.
“The NGF stands with the governments and residents of the affected areas on this natural disaster, commending the swift efforts of the Federal Government and the states’ authorities to bring immediate succour to the victims,” Governor Abdulrazaq said.
