BY ABDULKADIR M. LAWAN & MUSA IDRIS UMAR, AUGUST 09, 2025 | 04:12 PM

It's been a month shy of the devastating flood in Borno State that claimed lives, destroyed properties worth billions of naira, and displaced many, especially women and children.

The flood occurred on September 10 last year, submerging Maiduguri, Jere, and parts of Mafa Local Government Areas.

Residents were forced to seek safety and shelter, with children and women being the most affected.

The flood was caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam, situated in the Alau community of Konduga local government area.

The dam, constructed between 1984-1986, impounds a major reservoir on the Ngadda River, a tributary of Lake Chad.

Government intervention

Five months post-flood, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved N80 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam.

Five months after the president's approval, work has begun on the dam.

Recently, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum allayed fears of another dam collapse due to rising water levels from two rivers in the state.

Despite Zulum's assurances, there's widespread anxiety about the possibility of another collapse.

After inspecting the project site, Governor Zulum said fears of residents and stakeholders were a serious concern to his administration but insisted there's no cause for fear or panic over devastating floods from the Alau dam.

He noted the dam's water level has dropped by four inches recently.

Residents fear a potential flood

Residents in Borno State, especially those on the low land and river bank area, are in fear of another devastating flood.

Many residents raised alarm over the delay in the starting up of the project despite the president's approval five months ago.

Project progress

The governor said the three dikes and new water channels have been opened for free water flow.

The contractor handling the N80 billion project monitors inflows from River Yedzaram.

Based on engineering knowledge, there's no cause for alarm about the dam's collapse in 2025.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the reconstruction is progressing on schedule and will deliver lasting solutions to flooding, water supply, and agricultural needs.

The project is expected to be completed in March 2027.

Is Borno State Safe?

With these assurances, the question remains: Is Borno State safe from last year's flooding as the anniversary approaches?