Severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, has claimed the lives of more than 80% of the animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Zoo, with some wild animals reportedly escaping into the city.
According to the General Manager of the zoo, Ali Abatcha, the flood has killed the majority of the animals, though the exact number of animals at the zoo prior to the disaster remains undisclosed.
Several animals, including snakes and crocodiles, have escaped their enclosures, causing alarm among residents.
Flooding, which has submerged over 40% of Maiduguri, has also affected key areas such as Muna and Jere IDP camps, home to a combined population of approximately 230,000 people.
Reports surfaced on Tuesday that wild animals, including snakes and crocodiles, were spotted in parts of the town, while a lion’s escape has yet to be confirmed.
The flood, triggered by the collapse of one of the spillways of the Alau Dam, has severely affected the Maiduguri metropolis and nearby areas. In response, the Federal Government has initiated evacuation efforts for residents in affected communities.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced on Tuesday that food, shelter, and medical assistance are being provided to displaced residents.
The Borno State Government has also opened Bakassi Camp to accommodate those displaced by the disaster.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are on high alert, addressing the dual challenges of caring for flood victims and managing the potential danger posed by escaped animals.