The streets of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, have become an unlikely wildlife reserve, as floodwaters have forced animals from the Sanda Kyarimi Zoo to escape into the city. The unexpected sight of wild animals roaming freely has left residents in a state of alarm, as they navigate the treacherous floodwaters and try to avoid encounters with the displaced creatures.
Among the escapees is an ostrich, which was spotted wandering the streets before being recaptured by zoo officials. However, the fate of other animals, including lions and hyenas, remains uncertain, as their cages were submerged by the floodwaters.
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As the people of Maiduguri struggle to come to terms with the scale of the disaster, they are also facing a new and unprecedented challenge: sharing their streets with wild animals.
While there have been no reports of attacks on humans so far, the potential danger is palpable, and residents are being warned to exercise extreme caution.
The flooding in Maiduguri is part of a larger crisis that has affected Nigeria, resulting in over 170 deaths and tens of thousands displaced across the country.
As the waters continue to rise, the people of Maiduguri can only hope that the situation will soon be brought under control, and their city will be safe once again.
