Flood: UNIMAID Closes Indefinitely, Borno Museum Warns of Wild Animals Displacement

The University of Maiduguri has announced its indefinite closure following the severe flooding that ravaged parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The disaster, which has displaced thousands of residents, has also affected the university’s operations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the university’s Registrar, Ahmad A. Lawan, the management expressed sympathy to the staff and students impacted by the flood.

The statement reads,

This is to inform all staff and students that in view of the devastating flood disaster affecting Maiduguri and its environment, the university management is hereby suspending all lectures and closing offices temporarily with immediate effect until the situation improves.

The decision, according to the statement, was made to safeguard the lives of the university community while a thorough assessment of the damage is conducted.

The university management further extended its heartfelt sympathy to the disaster victims, praying for safety and future protection from such occurrences.

The flood, which has devastated several communities, has been linked to the collapse of the Alau Dam, which had reportedly reached capacity over the past week.

The incident marks the second major disaster caused by the dam, following a similar event in 1994, which led to widespread flooding in Maiduguri.

Meanwhile, Borno State’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, has issued a public statement calling for the immediate evacuation of residents living around the riverbank as floodwaters continue to rise.

In addition to the widespread displacement, the flooding has damaged properties and overwhelmed critical infrastructure, including the city’s flyover.

The Borno Museum Park has also raised concerns over the incursion of deadly animals into residential areas.

Ali Abatcha Don Best, the General Manager of the Museum Park, disclosed that over 80% of the park’s animals were lost due to the flood, exacerbating fears of dangerous wildlife entering flood-hit communities.

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