Heavy rainfall that swept across Maiduguri in the early hours of Wednesday has led to the collapse of eight buildings and displaced numerous families across several neighborhoods in Borno State’s capital.
The torrential downpour, which began around 6:15 a.m. and lasted for over three hours, flooded riverbank communities including Bulumkutu, Abuja, Moduganari, Ngomari, and surrounding areas. The intense flooding overwhelmed drainage systems and quickly inundated homes, forcing residents to flee.
In Bulumkutu, resident Ahmodu Ibrahim recounted the terrifying moments he noticed floodwaters entering his home.
“I started seeing water coming in after an hour of the rain. I immediately took my children and wife to a safe area,” he said.
A shop owner in the area, Aisha Suraju, said her goods were destroyed in the flood.
“My provisions, especially the ones on the floor, were all destroyed by the flood,” she lamented.
Scenes from Borno Street captured submerged streets and damaged structures, with locals wading through ankle-deep water to salvage belongings.
The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the collapse of eight buildings but reported no fatalities. In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, officers were immediately mobilized for rescue and security operations.
“In the wake of the heavy rainfall that affected parts of Maiduguri Gomari, Bulumkutu, Jidari, ITE and others the Borno State Police Command has swiftly carried out on-the-scene assessments and deployed patrol teams across the impacted areas,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmaji, commended the rapid response of officers and assured the public that strategic patrols have been set up to protect evacuated homes and prevent looting or other criminal activity.
“We urge residents to remain calm and law-abiding,” said Daso. “Parents and guardians are also advised to keep children away from flooded areas to avoid accidents.”
The latest incident underscores Maiduguri’s ongoing vulnerability to seasonal flooding, worsened by inadequate drainage and rapid urban expansion. Emergency management officials are expected to release further updates as assessments and relief efforts continue.
Residents are encouraged to report emergencies and cooperate with security and rescue personnel as the city recovers from the impact of the severe rainfall.
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