The governor emphasised the need for immediate action, as the next rainy season is just four months away.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has warned of another potential flood disaster if the collapsed Alau Dam is not reconstructed urgently.

The governor emphasised the need for immediate action, as the next rainy season is just four months away.

"By next week, we shall be in January, and rainfall will set in some parts of Borno State by March. We have limited time.

The earlier we begin something, the better for us," Zulum said on Monday while receiving the report from the assessment committee investigating the dam's collapse.

He highlighted the devastating impact of the September 10, 2024 floods, caused by the release of over 112 million cubic litres of water from the dam, which affected hundreds of lives and property worth billions of naira.

Zulum pledged to pursue federal government intervention. "On our part as state government, we shall push this matter to the latter. I am of the view that in a few days, if there is no action on the ground, I will go and see Mr. President and beg him to allow the Northeast Development Commission to take over and start the reconstruction immediately."

"If we decide to wait for the bureaucracy, I am afraid we will run out of time.

If we can start on time, I am sure with serious commitment we can rebuild the substantial part of the dam, which has collapsed."

Despite limited financial resources, Zulum assured residents that the state government would collaborate with the federal government to prevent another disaster.

He commended the committee for taking temporary measures, such as constructing an earth embankment to conserve water and prevent further spillage.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, confirmed the federal government's commitment to repairing the dam before the rainy season begins.