‘Beware of crocodiles, snakes’ — Borno warns residents of ‘deadly animals’ unleashed by flood

The Borno state government has warned residents to beware of crocodiles, snakes and other deadly animals washed away by flood.

Many residents have fled their homes following a devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

The Alau Dam reportedly collapsed on Tuesday after being at full capacity for weeks, affecting communities in Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin.

Social media videos showed submerged streets, homes and flyovers.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ali Don Best, general manager of the Borno State Museum Park, said the flood washed away deadly animals into communities.

“The General manager Borno state museum park wish to announce that the recent flood disaster has disrupted and caused a damage to properties and loss of lives of more than 80% of the animals,” the statement reads.

“In this devastating period of flood disaster, the General manager wishes to also announce that some deadly animals have been washed away into our communities. Animals like crocodiles and snakes.

“We are calling on the general public to be aware and take all the necessary precautionary measures to avoid these animals.

“With regret, sense of concern and responsibility, the General manager wish to ensure safety and protection for the remaining living things within his jurisdiction.”

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said wild animals have been displaced from the Sanda Kyarimi Zoological Park in Maiduguri.

The publication asked residents to exercise caution when wading through pools of water.