Maiduguri Flood: Residents Decry Exploitative Canoe Rides Amidst Devastation
Residents of Maiduguri, Borno State, are facing a new challenge amidst the devastating flood that has ravaged 70% of the city. Canoe owners, who initially volunteered to help move residents to safety, are now charging exorbitant fees to transport people and belongings.
Falmata Muhammed, a 48-year-old mother of three, recounted her ordeal, saying she was charged N80,000 for a short canoe ride to move her furniture. “Some are making it a big business, using the disaster to make a huge amount of money,” she lamented.
Mohammed Yusuf, a fisherman and canoe owner, however, claimed that he still moved residents for free, but some offered him money for his services.
Governor Babagana Zulum has taken proactive measures to address the crisis, holding an emergency meeting with United Nations Humanitarian Workers and other development partners. The meeting aimed to ensure better coordination and avoid duplication of efforts in providing relief to affected communities.
Zulum warned against indiscriminate opening of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, especially in already closed public schools, without the state government’s permission. He emphasized the need for collaboration to rebuild destroyed houses, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure.
“We need UN assistance in rebuilding the destroyed houses, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructures,” Zulum said. “We want to use this opportunity to thank UN, all stakeholders, and individuals who have assisted us in one way or the other in this trying moment.”
Meanwhile, residents of Bode Saadu community in Kwara State have also been displaced by flooding, with Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq promising support for affected victims. The community, located on the Ilorin-Jebba federal highway, experienced flooding due to intermittent downpours that overflowed the Arinun Bridge.
As the floodwaters recede, residents are counting their losses, and many have sought temporary accommodation. The frequent flooding in the area has become a recurring concern, with residents calling for permanent solutions.
The Nigerian government and humanitarian organizations are working to provide relief to affected communities. However, the exploitative practices of some canoe owners have added to the distress of those already affected by the flood.
Efforts to provide aid and support to those affected by the flood continue, with Governor Zulum and other stakeholders working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the disaster.