By Abdullateef Bamgbose
Renowned human rights activist, Hamza Dantani has raised alarm on the impending flood disaster in 11 states including Borno State, as announced by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMeT.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, the constitutional lawyer called for urgent and proactive steps by the Borno State government, saying the state cannot afford another flood disaster.
Dantani noted that if nothing is done quickly, we may face the same or a worse situation again. This is a clear call for government to act now and protect the people and their properties.
The legal practitioner recalled with nostalgia the flood disaster in the state.
“In September 2024, intense and sustained rainfall triggered the collapse of Alau Dam, unleashing flash floods that submerged vast parts of Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Areas.
“According to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, over 70 percent of residents in Maiduguri were displaced. More than one million people were affected, hundreds lost their lives, and property worth billions of naira was destroyed.
“The impact was widespread and devastating. Schools were shut down as floodwaters rose. The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the state General Hospital were inundated, disrupting vital health services,” he said.
The Abuja-based lawyer said “the Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued fresh warnings for 2025, cautioning that continued rainfall in Bama, Damboa, Gwoza and other areas could trigger massive flooding again. Despite this, the Borno State Government has not taken sufficient proactive measures to avert another disaster.
“Many of the areas that were worst affected last year: Shehu’s Palace Area, Gwange Axis, Bulabulin Ward, Shehu Sanda Kyari Zoo Park area, Post Office axis, Custom area, Gidan Dambe, Bakin Kasuwa, and Bakin Asibiti General, remain vulnerable and unfortified. The road behind Gidan Madara, which links to Bulabulin, a known flashpoint during the flood, remains unrepaired and exposed.”
