Borno residents fear disaster as building risks collapse

One year after the Borno State government partly demolished a four-storey building in Abaganaram, Maiduguri, residents of the community have raised fresh alarm over the looming danger of an impending total collapse of the building.

The residents, who warned the state government that the threat to the lives of the residents and throng of patients who patronise the nearby hospital, are real told Arewa PUNCH that the fear is further heightened because the hospital shares the same fence with the structure, even as the rainy season fast approaches.

According to the residents, the rainy season is often accompanied by intensified and heavy windstorms that ravage the state.

Our correspondent, who visited the community on Sunday, gathered from the residents and community leaders that the building has continued to pose a serious risk to the Abaganaram Primary Healthcare facility, the several individual shops, and children in the area, further reinforcing the palpable fears of the residents.

The community leader of Abaganaram, Lamisula area, Babagana Jibril, who spoke to our correspondent insisted on the need for proactive measures to avert impending disaster as the rainy season approaches.

He said, “For over a year now, many of our people are worried and complaining about this structure, especially when it’s windy. We always fear that if heavy winds blow, the remaining structure will collapse, damaging peoples’ houses, and the hospital nearby that is always patronised by a throng of people in the community and other adjourning communities. All these are giving us concern for fears.

“There is a need for proactiveness. If they want to demolish, they should demolish it, and if they want to rebuild, they should please do it,” he added.

Jibril cited the recent destruction caused by a strong wind in a part of the state while urging the relevant authorities to prioritise the well-being of residents in the area.

“We are scared because, if you recall, some days ago, there was a massive destruction of peoples’ houses and properties in Bama town as a result of heavy wind. We won’t want to be a victim of du h again,” he stressed.

The Chief Imam of Gaura Gana mosque in the area, Goni Muhammad, also emphasised the need for urgent action, particularly in the interest of patients receiving care at the primary healthcare facility.

Muhammed pointed out, “The rains will be coming soon, especially with strong winds, and it can collapse the building which in turn will fall on the hospital housing many patients. So, we in the community are calling on the government to take action,” he pleaded.

A shop owner behind the structure, Muhammad Mustapha said the sudden collapse of the building may displace businesses and further compound the economic situation of the people in the area.

“No one can tell which direction it will fall to if it eventually collapses. If it falls backwards, it will affect my business and those of others,” he alerted.

Meanwhile, a source who pleaded not to be identified explained that when members of the community sought an explanation, they were informed that issues surrounding the building were still in court.

“When we asked about what is going on with the building, we were told that the matter is in court between the government and the owner of the building. But we can’t continue to put our lives at risk

“One year is enough for them to resolve their differences, at least in the interest of lives around here,” the visibly angry source said.

Our correspondent gathered further that in March, 2025, a 2023 Senatorial Candidate (Borno Central) on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Attom Magira instituted a suit against the Borno State Government under Suit No. BOHC/MG/CV/8/2025 over the building, describing the demolition as unlawful.