Maiduguri flood: Slow aid response puts victims in distress

Flood victims in Maiduguri are facing severe distress due to a slow response to the disaster, struggling to access basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter.

The catastrophic floods, triggered by the collapse of Alao Dam, have inundated several areas in the city and Jere Local Government Areas, leaving victims without essential supplies.

Prices for basic commodities have soared: a mudu of garri is now N2,200, petrol costs N1,500 per litre on the black market, a bag of pure water is N500, Maggi cubes range from N1,200 to N1,500, and cooking oil is priced between N1,600 and N2,000 per bottle.

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Many victims from affected areas like Gwange, Shattimari, 505, and Dikichiri, which are isolated by the floodwaters, are unable to reach the Bakassi IDP camp established by the Borno State Government.

Some are taking refuge in uncompleted buildings, while others are sheltering in schools that escaped the flood’s impact.

Isa Fannarambe, a resident of 505 Housing Estate, described the scene as “apocalyptic”. Separated from his three children due to the flooding, he is now taking refuge at Mari Mega School. “Thousands of us have been displaced,” he said.

Aisha Bulama, a mother of three who fled her home, lamented, “We have lost everything. We need food, shelter, and clothing. We can’t even afford to buy food for our children.”

NEMA has declared a state of emergency, and the Federal Government has granted N3 billion for humanitarian responses. However, aid has been slow to arrive, leaving many to fend for themselves.

As the situation deteriorates, fears of a looming food crisis grow, with many families unable to access basic necessities.

The Borno State Government has promised to distribute food and relief materials, but many are still waiting.

Affected communities rely on locals and local organisations to survive. “We need help now,” said Amina Alhaji Bukar, a woman leader in Dakichiri. “We can’t wait any longer.”

The Borno flooding highlights the vulnerability of communities in the state, particularly the capital city and the need for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis.

Thousands of people are in dire need of food, shelter, and support.