Flooding Forces Wild Animals Out Of Maiduguri Zoo, Submerges Cemetery As Civic Groups Express Worries

Concerned groups have raised the alarm as devastating floods in Maiduguri, Borno State, have forced various wild animals out of the Maiduguri Zoo and submerged a Christian cemetery in the Borno State Capital.

In a press statement issued by a Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the CSOs described the situation as “very pathetic”.

SaharaReporters had reported that hundreds of residents were trapped on Tuesday morning after the disaster in the ancient city. 

Residents who spoke to SaharaReporters on Tuesday morning confirmed that the widespread flooding has submerged several houses, major roads, and official buildings including Emir’s palace.

“Nobody could sleep because the water is too much. Our house was filled with water and we have to look for how to survive. In my community here, many people are trapped inside the water because not everyone can swim and nobody can help them. The agency is overwhelmed because they also have to deal with flood in their facilities. No place is safe currently in Maiduguri,” one of the sources told SaharaReporters.

Commenting on the incident, the Chairman of CSOs, Lake-Chad Basin, Ahmed Shehu, said the fate of the animals that escaped from Shehu Sanda Kyarimi park, a popular zoo in Maiduguri, was yet to be determined.

The group said: “The Moduganari bypass bridge is also filled and the bridge is already flooded. The zoo road  is being flooded with water and it’s gushing  to College Of Health Technology, Maiduguri, where students were already relocated to school of nursing. Also, the water is heading towards the commissioner of police junction through Damboa Road.
“The situation is so dire. The water flooded the zoo at midnight. Though no one can tell the situation of the animals but definitely they will scamper for safety and in the process cause harm to the community.
“It is the same water route that displaced people are taking, the animals will take too.
“Aside from wide animals escaping from the zoo, the Christians cemetery around Amb Baba Ahmed Jidda house in Old GRA has been submerged. This poses serious public health threats. Government needs to activate emergency response.”
He urged the state government to swing into action to curtail the situation.
“I suggest an urgent need for the government to barricade the axis to ensure that the citizens are guided and as well protected from the wild animals

“It’s very sad. The situation is beyond one’s imagination and calls for activation of  emergency response mechanisms by all stakeholders.

“This is a moment for prayers and  support to Maiduguri residents,” Shehu said.

Similarly, the Executive Director, Network of CSOs, Borno state, Bulama Abiso, said the incident had left numerous families devastated and homeless.

Abiso urged CSOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to offer vital emergency aid, such as food, shelter, and non-food items, to the affected communities

He said: “In light of this pressing humanitarian crisis, the Network of Civil Society Organizations  Borno State is calling on all CSOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) under its wing to extend their assistance to the affected communities.

“As we rally to address this emergency, it is crucial to adhere to the core principles of humanitarian response, including humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

“Our focus should be on safeguarding the well-being and dignity of those affected, providing aid based on genuine need, ensuring fair and unbiased distribution of assistance, and maintaining autonomy in our decision-making and actions.”

He continued: “We encourage efforts to aid in the evacuation and relocation of displaced persons, provide essential psychosocial support and counseling services, and collaborate closely with government and partners as well as other stakeholders, to ensure a united and effective response.

“Let us stand together to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the people of Maiduguri, upholding the fundamental values of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence in our response.

“Through collective action, we can truly make a positive impact and provide crucial support to those grappling with the aftermath of the floods.”

 

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