Seven States, 25 Communities in Danger as Flood Ravages Nigeria
…FG Places Citizens on Red Alert
The Federal Government has issued a red alert to residents of seven states and 25 communities across Nigeria over the imminent risk of flooding, following forecasts of heavy rainfall between August 23 and 24 and the rising water level of the River Niger.
The warning, released on Saturday and signed by Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, cautioned that flood plains from Jebba to Lokoja are highly vulnerable.
> “Due to the rise in the water level of River Niger, communities on the flood plain from Jebba to Lokoja are advised to evacuate,” Bokani stated.
States and Communities at Risk:
Benue State: Abinsi, Agyo, Gbajimba, Gogo, Makurdi, Mbapa, Otobi, Otukpo, Udoma, Ukpiam
Borno State: Briyel, Dikwa, MaiduKamba
Gombe State: Bajoga, Dogon Ruwa, Gombe, Nafada
Kebbi State: Gwandu, Jega, Kamba
Nasarawa State: Agima, Keana, Keffi, Odogbo, Rukubi
Niger State: Lapai
Yobe State: Gashua, Gasma, Potiskum
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) echoed the federal government’s concerns, urging residents in flood-prone areas to move to safer locations.
In a statement signed by Manzo Ezekiel, Head of Press Unit, NEMA warned that states bordering the Republic of Benin — particularly Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara — face heightened threats from upstream rainfall and rising river levels.
> “All zonal offices have been directed to intensify sensitization and preparedness efforts. Residents in high-risk flood plains must move immediately to higher ground to avert disaster,” the statement read.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, also urged state governments to empower their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to activate contingency plans and deploy resources to cushion the potential impact.
She reaffirmed NEMA’s readiness to coordinate a robust response in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and property along the River Niger corridor.
