SOS for Maiduguri flood victims

In Maiduguri, Borno State, the recent flood disaster has unleashed unprecedented devastation, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in its wake. The deluge, which ravaged the city and surrounding areas, has not only displaced thousands of residents but also exacerbated the existing humanitarian crisis in the region. When the Alau dam broke, it violently ravaged homes, farmlands, and marketplaces, leading to grave losses and despair.

As the floodwaters continue to rise, the region’s fragile social and economic fabric is being stretched to the breaking point, threatening to unleash a new wave of displacement, hunger, and human suffering.

The state capital is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises. Years of insurgency and conflict have already displaced millions and stretched resources thin. Now, the recent flood disaster has added another layer of devastation, destroying homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The city’s fragile humanitarian situation has been aggravated, leaving many struggling to access necessities like food, shelter, and clean water.

Despite the efforts of aid agencies and the government, many residents are still fighting for survival, with daily meals becoming a luxury for some. While residents are yet to recover from the rippling effects, the flood has also buoyed unscrupulous traders to exploit the situation, hiking prices of essential goods and further entrenching poverty and hunger.

The main market of Borno State, Monday Market, and other marketplaces like Gamboro have been flooded. Unfortunately, some sellers and shopowners in small marketplaces are exploiting this situation, taking advantage of vulnerable victims by increasing the prices of food provisions such as a bag of pure water to 500 Naira, bread to 1500 Naira, spaghetti to 2000 Naira, and others. These high prices are making it difficult for the victims and even those willing to cook and distribute food to them to have ample purchasing power, as the inflated prices make the process tedious and challenging.

As the waters recede, the true extent of the damage is becoming clear, revealing a city on the brink of collapse, where the most vulnerable are paying the highest price.

Crucially, Urgent intervention by the government, patriotic corporate bodies, and citizens is needed. Long-term solutions like economic empowerment, trader accountability, and policy changes are also crucial. We call on Nigeria’s richest individuals to join the efforts by providing food, supporting local aid initiatives, and advocating for change. Together, we can ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and supported in times of crisis, rather than exploited for gain.

In conclusion, the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri has exposed not only the vulnerability of the affected communities but also the exploitative nature of some traders who prioritize profits over people. To address this, immediate actions such as price control, alternative supply chains, and humanitarian assistance are necessary.

Fadeela Lawaan wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Borno State University.