On September 10, 2024, a catastrophic incident occurred when over 112 million cubic liters of water stored in the Alau Dam were released downstream into Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. The sudden flood devastated hundreds of homes, resulting in significant loss of life and property, with damages running into billions of naira.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, in response to the disaster, received a comprehensive report from the state’s assessment committee on the causes of the dam’s collapse. During a meeting on Monday, Zulum expressed urgency, emphasizing that the upcoming rainy season in March leaves little time for repairs. “The earlier we begin something, the better for us,” he said.
Governor Zulum further warned that without swift action, the state could face further crises. He announced that if progress on the repairs was not seen soon, he would personally appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow the Northeast Development Commission to take over the reconstruction efforts. He stressed that waiting for bureaucratic processes could cost the state precious time, jeopardizing both lives and vital infrastructure.
Despite facing financial challenges, the state government has pledged to work with the federal government to prevent future flooding disasters. Zulum also acknowledged the proactive efforts of the assessment committee, which implemented temporary earth embankments to control the spillover and conserve water for local residents and farmers.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, who visited the dam for an assessment, assured the public that the federal government was committed to repairing the dam before the next rainy season, to avoid further disaster in the region.
