Soldiers displaced as flood hits military base in Borno

A flooding incident at the military base in Malam Fatori, Borno state has left soldiers displaced.

Nigeria is currently experiencing its worst flooding in decades with 34 out of 36 states affected.

Malam Fatori in Abdama LGA lies close to the Komadougou Yobe river and shares border with Lake Chad and the Niger Republic.

According to Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on the Lake Chad region, most parts of the town are largely inaccessible because of the flood.

The flood is an addition to the harsh desert conditions the soldiers are braving under to fight insurgents.

“The troops in the town are known for their remarkable bravery in resisting persistent attacks from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters who are deploying various types of weapons including improvised explosive devices, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and gun trucks,” the publication reported. 

Hundreds of residents in the area especially internally displaced persons (IDPs), are also said to be struggling to find shelter, food and clothing with many settling in an open ground under appalling conditions as a result of the flood.

Weeks ago, the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said over 16,000 persons had been displaced following flooding in 14 LGAs in the state.

Yabawa Kolo, director-general of SEMA in Borno, said women and children have been mostly affected while most of the displaced persons are currently taking refuge in neighbouring communities and primary schools in the state.