Flood Alert: Boronji Residents Cry Out for Urgent Government Intervention

YOLA —By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

Residents of Boronji community, located a few kilometres from the Adamawa State Government House in Yola, have appealed to the state government to urgently intervene as flooding continues to threaten their homes and livelihoods during the rainy season.

The community, which has reportedly experienced repeated flooding over the years, says the situation has become a recurring hardship, forcing residents to abandon their homes whenever floodwaters rise.

Speaking on the situation, the Youth Chairman of the community, Pascal Iginatus, said residents have continued to suffer the consequences of flooding, particularly during the peak of the rainy season.

According to him, residents are often forced to relocate temporarily to higher ground, including a primary school, to escape the floodwaters.

“We usually move from our comfort zones to the hills and the primary school. At that point, we become vulnerable to attacks. Children also fall sick, while malaria and other water-borne diseases become common in the community,” he said.

Iginatus appealed to the Adamawa State Government and relevant authorities to provide urgent assistance and find a lasting solution to the flooding problem.

He said the recurring displacement was affecting the safety, health and general well-being of residents, particularly children and vulnerable members of the community.

Meanwhile, some fishermen in the community said they view the annual flooding from a different perspective, despite its destructive consequences.

They explained that while floodwaters often destroy their houses and belongings, they also provide an opportunity for them to catch fish and generate income to support their families.

According to the fishermen, they prepare their fishing nets ahead of the rainy season, waiting for the floodwaters to bring fish into areas where they can easily be caught.

They, however, acknowledged that the destruction of homes and other property remains a major concern.

The residents called on the government to urgently address the flooding through improved drainage, flood-control measures and other interventions that could protect lives and property while preserving the community’s fishing activities.