Halimah Abdullahi, a resident of Maiduguri, Nigeria, has been searching for her three-year-old son, Musa, who went missing in a displaced person’s camp after their previous home was destroyed by floods. The floods, which affected an estimated 300,000 people in the region, were caused by heavy rainfall and the collapse of the Alau Dam. The tragedy led to several families losing track of children and many going missing amidst the chaos and destruction.
The floods came unexpectedly, trapping many residents who were unable to flee quickly enough. Fati Laminu, one of the affected individuals, escaped with only the clothes on her back while her younger brother went missing and her brother-in-law’s body was found in the waters. Government officials and soldiers conducted rescue operations, but the high waters made it difficult for them to reach those in need. The disaster also affected the local zoo, resulting in the death or escape of 80 percent of the wild animals in its care.
Maiduguri was already home to internally displaced people (IDPs) camps due to the ongoing armed conflict with Boko Haram. Many residents, including Abdullahi, had been living in tents in these camps for years, relying on aid organizations for food and support. The region was also facing severe food shortages and inflation, with some areas at risk of emergency levels of food crisis. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum had been working towards shutting down the camps and encouraging residents to return home before the floods hit.
In the aftermath of the floods, officials moved displaced people to temporary shelters, such as the Gubio Camp, where conditions were described as difficult. Aid organizations began distributing raw food and cash transfers to facilitate the return of residents to their homes as the waters receded. However, some residents expressed concerns about the adequacy of the funds and crowded camp conditions. Authorities also faced criticism over prison transfers that led to the escape of Boko Haram members.
Despite the challenges faced by the displaced people, health workers managed to avert a disease outbreak following the floods. Many hospitals and buildings were damaged, including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. While some residents like Tijanni Hussaini are eager to return home and rebuild, others like Abdullahi remain in the camp, hoping for the safe return of her missing son. The government’s efforts to address the aftermath of the floods and support the affected communities continue amidst ongoing challenges.
