Borno State is currently dealing with its worst flood disaster, leading to wild animals escaping and roaming freely in Maiduguri. The heavy floods have caused widespread damage and fear among residents.

According to a report from a Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), several wild animals in the Shehu Sanda Kyarimi Park, a popular zoo in the area, have gone missing. The animals escaped after the floodwaters overtook the zoo, leaving their current whereabouts unknown.

Ahmed Shehu, the Chairman of the CSOs in the Lake Chad Basin, expressed deep concern about the situation, highlighting the potential danger to the public with wild animals on the loose and the devastating impact of the flood.

Shehu said,

“The Maiduguri bypass bridge is also filled and the bridge is already flooded. The zoo road  is being flooded with water and it’s gushing  to College Of Health Technology, Maiduguri, where students were already relocated to school of nursing. Also, the water is heading towards the commissioner of police junction through Damboa Road.

The situation is so dire. The water flooded the zoo at midnight. Though no one can tell the situation of the animals but definitely they will scamper for safety and in the process cause harm to the community.

It is the same water route that displaced people are taking, the animals will take too. Aside from wide animals escaping from the zoo, the Christians cemetery around Amb Baba Ahmed Jidda house in Old GRA has been submerged. This poses serious public health threats. Government needs to activate emergency response.”

“I suggest an urgent need for the government to barricade the axis to ensure that the citizens are guided and as well protected from the wild animals. It’s very sad. The situation is beyond one’s imagination and calls for activation of  emergency response mechanisms by all stakeholders. This is a moment for prayers and  support to Maiduguri residents”