A flash flood has severely damaged the Ajiri-Dikwa and Dikwa-Maiduguri roads in Borno State, disrupting the movement of commuters and travellers, including those from neighbouring countries.
The development came weeks after floods washed away sections of the Madagali/Gwoza and Maiduguri/Damboa roads, further compounding the state’s transport challenges.
The area affected, known as Bakassi, is located along the Maiduguri-Dikwa Road, about 5 kilometres from Dikwa Town in Mafa Local Government Area.
The floods have rendered significant portions of these roads impassable, affecting travel to and from communities such as Mafa, Dikwa, Ngala, Marte, Kala Balge and Maiduguri.
These roads are also critical international links, connecting Nigeria to Cameroon and Chad.
In response, the Borno State Police Command has advised travellers to seek alternative routes and stay updated on the situation.
The state capital also witnessed a devastating flood on September 10, when the Alau Dam collapsed, killing many people and destroying property.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Satomi, a member of the House of Representatives (APC, Borno), has mobilised 150 volunteer youths to fumigate and disinfect the Jere community, which has been heavily affected by recent floods.
The flood, which devastated Maiduguri and Jere, submerged 70% of public and government structures.
Satomi, alongside a member of the Borno State House of Assembly, began the fumigation efforts at the Almiskin Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.
He explained that the initiative was organised in collaboration with the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) after identifying areas that trucks and vehicles could not access.
The volunteers are tasked with entering these areas on foot to disinfect them, he added.
The fumigation and disinfection campaign will last for five days and cover three wards-Mashamari, Old Maiduguri, Maimashari, and Galtamari-with plans to extend to other parts of Jere.
The operation, conducted from dusk to dawn, aims to eliminate mosquitoes and make homes habitable for flood victims who are preparing to return.
In addition to leading the volunteer effort, Satomi donated N200 million to the Borno State flood relief fund to assist victims.
Health experts have advised flood survivors to thoroughly clean and disinfect their homes before returning to protect against waterborne diseases, germs, and reptiles.
