By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Over a dozen decomposed bodies were recovered by government officials following another devastating flood that ravaged some parts of Mafa and Dikwa local government areas in Borno state.

This is as unspecified number of people caught off in the flood are still missing. Investigation has revealed.

Sources said, the incident of the number of casualties were underreported following lack of access to the scene as well as poor communication network.

Recall that the Borno State Police Command Last week Saturday, 21st September, 2024 issued a press statement through the Police Public Relations, DSP Kenneth Daso, where he informed the general public of a flash flood that has caused extensive damage to the Ajiri-Dikwa road and the Dikwa-M/Guri road, resulting in significant disruptions and rendering certain routes impassable.

Daso also warned that commuters traveling from Mafa, Dikwa, Ngala, Marte, Kala Balge, Maiduguri, as well as individuals from neighboring countries such as Cameroon and Chad, are advised to seek alternative routes and remain updated on the situation. He claimed that no casualties have been reported at that time.

But investigation by our reporter which was also colloborated by some residents who do not want their names mentioned, insisted that many body sacks were brought in from Maiduguri used in mass burial of the decomposed victims.

Speaking to the Director General of State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Mohammed Barkindo on Friday over the incident, he said, his agency is not responsible for ascertaining number of deaths, but is only mandated to secure and safeguard lives in any disaster.

Barkindo said, “it is the responsibility of Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) to know the number of those killed in the fresh flood incident”.

All efforts to get BOSEPA authority to confirm the number of casualties in the recent incident proved abortive at press time.

But the PPRO, DSP Daso in a telephone interview with our Correspondent said, only four people were confirmed dead in the recent flood disaster in Mafa/Dikwa axis.

“Information at our disposal indicated that a woman and her three children were confirmed dead in a tragic canoe accident which took place between Dikwa and Mafa Local Government Area of Borno state as a result of flood”. Daso stated.