*More confusion as dangerous animals escape from the zoo
Borno State government has announced the closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state for two weeks due to floods that have displaced many residents.
This comes as residents around Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri, Borno State, trying to escape flooding have been thrown into confusion as some animals in the zoo have started coming out.
A statement by the Acting Director, Schools Services, Grema Bulama, said the development had displaced some people across the state.
“Due to the ongoing flooding across the state and its adverse effects, the Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, has directed a statewide closure of all schools, both public and private, until Monday, September 23.
“We urge all concerned parties to comply strictly with this directive.
“We regret any inconvenience this notice may have caused and we appreciate your understanding,” the statement added.
Schools were initially scheduled to open in Borno on Monday, September 9, but some of the schools were occupied by people displaced by the flood.
There was a mild drama in Gwange Ward of Maiduguri, when people displaced by floods resisted attempts by government officials to make them vacate a school where they have been taking refuge since last week.
Meanwhile, the Borno State government has constituted a flood emergency response committee under the coordination of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani.
As the floods hit the city zoo, an Ostrich and a crocodile were reported to have already escaped, raising fears that others like elephants, lions, and snakes domiciled in the zoo may find their way out at any moment.
While one of the crocodiles that escaped was found dead after it was attacked by some unidentified persons, the Ostrich has been wandering.
When contacted, the Director, Forest and Wildlife, Mr Ayuba Peter, who said the incident took them unawares, confirmed that the Zoo Manager had intimated him about the recent development.
Peter said roads around the area had been blocked to stop human movement, while wildlife staff were patrolling to pick any animal that escaped, particularly the carnivores.
Meanwhile, a reliable source in the zoo said that about 80 per cent of the animals in the zoo, particularly the carnivores who can’t escape due to their locked facility are dead, while others like snakes and crocodiles have been washed away by the flood.
The raging flood from the collapsed Alau Dam has continued to submerge many areas in Maiduguri and environs.
NAN
