The coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Borno State has stated that the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the state capital, which impacted a zoo, poses a danger to residents, News About Nigeria reports.
According to the statement released on Tuesday by the Chairman of CSOs in the state, Ahmed Shehu, the whereabouts of the majority of the animals cannot be ascertained as they are out scampering for safety and can hurt people in the process.
The CSOs also revealed that the flood which left thousands in the state displaced did not only affect the zoo but also affected a cemetery.
The statement reads, “The Maiduguri bypass bridge is also filled and the bridge is already flooded. The zoo road is being flooded with water and it’s gushing to the College of Health Technology, Maiduguri, where students were already relocated to the school of nursing. Also, the water is heading towards the Commissioner of Police junction through Damboa Road.
“The situation is so dire. The water flooded the zoo at midnight. Though no one can tell the situation of the animals but definitely they will scamper for safety and, in the process, cause harm to the community. It is the same water route that displaced people are taking; the animals will take too. Aside from wild animals escaping from the zoo, the Christian cemetery around Amb Baba Ahmed Jidda’s house in Old GRA has been submerged. This poses serious public health threats. The government needs to activate emergency response.”
He called on the state government to swing into action with immediate effect by barricading the axis to ensure that the citizens are guided and protected from the wild animals.
He also tasked the general public to pray for the state and to extend a hand of support to them.
