Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, says he is “seriously worried” that jailed Boko Haram terrorists might have escaped from the Maiduguri correctional centre after the severe flooding that ravaged the state capital.
On Tuesday, the Alau Dam, which had been at full capacity for the past few weeks, collapsed, causing the worst flooding the state has experienced in the last 30 years.
The flood affected many parts of Maiduguri, leading to the displacement of over 400,000 residents and the death of over 30 people, including children.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reported that at least 200 inmates escaped from the Maiduguri correctional centre due to the disaster.
Zulum said in an interview with BBC News that the flood affected over two million people.
The Borno governor said his administration has started providing “humanitarian assistance” to the victims of the flood.
Asked about reports that some Boko Haram insurgents may have escaped from the prison due to the flood, the Borno governor said, “I’m worried. Yes, I’m seriously worried.”
“But you also have to bear in mind that the Borno State Government has established what we call the Borno model of rehabilitation, which has allowed many insurgents to repent,” he added.
“Within the last two years, over 200,000 Boko Haram members and their families have repented, and I think this has also yielded positive results in ensuring the return of peace and stability to Borno state.”
Zulum said the federal ministry of water resources had not maintained the Alau Dam for a very long time, noting that the heavy rainfall worsened the situation.