The Federal Government has issued a fresh flood alert, warning residents in seven states and 25 communities across Nigeria to brace for possible flooding between August 23 and 24 due to heavy rainfall.
The alert, released by the Federal Ministry of Environment and signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani, also directed communities along the River Niger floodplain from Jebba to Lokoja to evacuate immediately as water levels continue to rise.
“Due to the rise in the water level of River Niger, communities on the flood plain from Jebba to Lokoja are advised to evacuate,” the ministry stated.
States and Communities at Risk
The states and areas identified include:
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) also echoed the warning, urging residents in high-risk floodplains to relocate to safer grounds.
In a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA identified Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States—which share borders with the Republic of Benin—as particularly vulnerable.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has directed all zonal offices to intensify awareness campaigns and mobilization efforts to ensure communities are adequately prepared.
She also called on state governments to support their respective State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in activating contingency plans to minimize the impact of flooding.
“NEMA remains committed to coordinating efforts to safeguard lives and livelihoods along the River Niger,” Mrs. Umar said.
