Tragedy, as downpour collapses 8 buildings, displace families

Tragedy struck in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, following a downpour which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, resulting in the collapse of not fewer than eight (8) buildings.

It was gathered that the building collapsed almost synchronously following a deluge of rainfall in the city in the early hours of Wednesday, July 30.

According to reports, the mayhem started around 6:15 am, lasted three hours, leading to the displacement of families in Bulumkutu, Abuja, Moduganari, Ngomari and other riverbank areas.

Several residents living around Bulumkutu, Abuja, Moduganari, Ngomari and other riverbank areas were said to have also been displaced consequent on the rain which began around the stroke of 6.15 am and lasted for three hours across areas of the city.

Speaking on the mischance, Ahmodu Ibrahim, a resident of Bulumkutu said that at about 8:am on Wednesday, his home was already flooded.

Ibrahim said he had to evacuate the members of his family to a safe location.

Similarly, a petty trader in the area, Aisha Suraju wailed that all the items in her shop had been engulfed in the flood.

“My provisions, especially the ones on the floor, were all destroyed by the flood,” she said.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the police in Borno State, Nahum Daso said the command has mobilised its officers for a rescue operation.

“Unfortunately, eight buildings collapsed, but no casualties were recorded.

“To forestall any breakdown of law and order, the command has stationed officers at strategic locations to protect evacuated homes and properties from potential looting or criminal activities,” Daso said.

The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmaji, commended the swift response of the officers involved and called on residents to remain calm and law-abiding.

“He also urged parents and guardians to monitor their children closely and prevent them from playing in floodwaters, as such behavior poses serious risks to their safety,” he said.

Furthermore, parents and guardians were advised to always put an eye on their children and prevent them from playing in floodwaters.