Maiduguri, Nigeria – A devastating flood has wreaked havoc on a zoo in northern Nigeria, leading to the deaths of over 80% of the animals. The facility, home to a diverse range of wildlife including lions, crocodiles, buffaloes, and ostriches, has been severely impacted by the rising waters.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo expressed deep concern over the situation. “Some dangerous animals, such as crocodiles and snakes, have been washed away into our communities,” the zoo warned, urging residents to exercise caution.
The flood was triggered by the overflow of a dam following heavy rainfall, displacing thousands of people in Borno state. The disaster has also affected other vital facilities in the state capital, Maiduguri, including the post office and a teaching hospital.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s office has issued a statement calling on residents in the worst-hit areas to evacuate immediately. “President Tinubu extends his condolences to the government and people of Borno state, particularly to those who have lost their livelihoods due to this disaster,” the statement said, assuring that humanitarian aid will be provided to affected communities.
Floods in the northeast region of Nigeria have claimed at least 49 lives in the past month. In 2022, a similar flood disaster resulted in the tragic loss of over 600 lives.
Borno state, the birthplace of the militant group Boko Haram, is already grappling with a 15-year insurgency that has caused widespread suffering and displacement.
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