The Nigerian government has sounded a grave warning, placing seven states and at least 25 communities on high flood alert as heavy rainfall threatens to unleash devastating floods across the country between August 23 and 24.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani, cautioned that the rising water levels of the River Niger could submerge vulnerable communities if urgent evacuation measures are not taken.
> “Due to the rise in the water level of River Niger, communities on the flood plain from Jebba to Lokoja are strongly advised to evacuate without delay,” Bokani warned.
High-Risk States and Communities
The flood-threatened areas cut across Benue, Borno, Gombe, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Yobe States, with dozens of towns and villages already on red alert.
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.
These areas, lying within the floodplains of the River Niger and its tributaries, face the imminent threat of displacement, destruction of farmlands, and loss of livelihoods if proactive measures are ignored.
NEMA Raises Red Flag
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also raised concerns, issuing an urgent advisory to residents of flood-prone communities, particularly those in border states like Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara, which face compounded risks from upstream rainfall in neighbouring Benin Republic.
According to a statement signed by NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, the agency’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has ordered all zonal offices to intensify advocacy, carry out sensitisation drives, and activate preparedness measures.
“Residents in high-risk flood plains must relocate to safer, higher grounds. States sharing borders with the Republic of Benin are particularly vulnerable due to upstream rainfall and rising river levels,” the statement stressed.
Mrs. Umar further urged state governments to work closely with their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to activate contingency plans that would cushion the impact of potential flooding this year.
Call for Vigilance
As the River Niger continues to swell, the Nigerian government warns that complacency could prove deadly. The call is clear: vulnerable communities must act now—evacuate, prepare, and remain vigilant.
The coming days will determine whether proactive response and coordinated government action can prevent a repeat of the devastating floods that have, in the past, displaced thousands and claimed lives across the nation.
PIONEER NEWS 