……Call on Government to be proactive to avoid impending disasters
By Lateef Taiwo

Renowned human rights activist , barrister Hamza N Dantani has raised alarm on the impending flood disaster in eleven states of the federation including Borno State announced by Nigeria meteorological agency

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 that the state cannot afford another flood disaster.

“The rainy season is here again in Borno, and I, along with many Maiduguri and Borno state residents, am pretty worried. We remember what happened last year very well. How could we forget? As August approaches, I am painfully reminded of the devastating flooding that ravaged our beloved state in September 2024, when heavy rainfall and the collapse of the Alau dam caused one of the worst floods in the state’s history.”

He lamented that” that flood destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, businesses, and wrecked the state’s economy. It displaced hundreds of thousands of people and claimed many lives. Now, weather experts have warned of another impending flood this year, but sadly, the Borno state government has not taken enough action to prevent another disaster.”

He noted that if nothing is done quickly, we may face the same or a worse situation again. This is a clear call for the government to act now and protect the people and their properties.

The erudite lawyer recalled with nostalgia the flood disaster in the state

“In September 2024, intense and sustained rainfall triggered the collapse of the 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% 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 impacts were 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. “

Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps were overrun, with residents relocated in panic from El Miskin to Bakasi Camp. Even the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo suffered tragic losses as 40% of its animals perished, and others escaped onto the streets of the capital.

“Another significant impact of the flood was that it affected the water system, making it difficult for citizens to access good drinking water even up until now. It also destroyed the electricity supply, causing many areas to be thrown into darkness.”

“Governor Babagana Zulum described the event as “beyond human imagination,” rightly so. It was a humanitarian disaster on an unprecedented scale.”

The Abuja based legal practitioner said that
” 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.”

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“Critical infrastructure damaged by last year’s floods has not been restored. Several connecting bridges remain broken, and only one near the Sheraton Hotel, Abujan Talakawa area, has seen any attempt at repair; yet even that project has dragged on for over six months with no meaningful progress. The state has not shown the urgency or commitment to protect its citizens from another looming disaster.”

“After last year’s flood, the federal government, international organizations, and philanthropists poured in support. Yet, for many victims, help never came as the donations did not trickle down to the real victims. Relief materials were either insufficient or failed to reach those who needed them most. The process lacked transparency and coordination, leaving affected communities to fend for themselves.”

“This failure must not be repeated. A repeat disaster without adequate government response would indict leadership and betray public trust.”

“The Borno State Government must act decisively and urgently. The following steps are non-negotiable:

Reconstruction of damaged bridges, such as the Monday market bridge beside the fish market, which is about to collapse, the Gwange bridge that links customs areas, the bridge behind Gidan Madara bypassed to the Bulabulin area, and drainage systems, especially in flood-prone areas.

1. 2. Reinforcement and maintenance of Alau Dam and other water-related infrastructure to prevent future breaches;
2. Implementation of a robust early warning system, in collaboration with NEMA and other relevant agencies;
3. Public sensitization campaigns to educate residents about evacuation plans and safety precautions.
4. Pre-positioning of emergency relief materials in high-risk communities and IDP camps; and
5. Desilting and clearing blocked drainage channels across vulnerable areas in Maiduguri and the state.”

“Borno State residents are already burdened by economic hardship, insecurity, and displacement. “

“A second flood of the magnitude witnessed in 2024 would be utterly devastating. This is not just about infrastructure; it is about human lives, dignity, and the future of our state.”

“Our government must rise above bureaucracy and indifference. What is at stake is too precious to ignore.”

“The people of Borno, especially within the metropolis, have suffered enough. They should not have to relive last year’s nightmare”

“The signs are clear, the warnings have been given, and the time to act is now. No amount of aid can undo the loss of a loved one, and no relief package can fully replace a destroyed home or business. The government must ensure that the 2024 tragedy does not repeat itself.”

“Let us not wait for disaster to strike again before we act. Let this be the year we choose preparedness over pity, prevention over reaction, and responsibility over neglect.”