The Federal Government has warned of possible flooding in seven states following predictions of heavy rainfall between August 23 and 24.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Federal Ministry of Environment disclosed that at least 25 communities spread across Benue, Borno, Gombe, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Yobe States may experience serious flooding.
The alert, signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani, specifically cautioned residents along the River Niger flood plains—from Jebba to Lokoja—to relocate to safer grounds 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 immediately,” Bokani said.
Communities listed include Abinsi, Makurdi, Gbajimba, Otukpo, and Ukpiam in Benue State; Briyel and Dikwa in Borno; Gombe, Bajoga, and Nafada in Gombe; Jega and Kamba in Kebbi; Keana and Keffi in Nasarawa; Lapai in Niger; and Potiskum and Gashua in Yobe.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also raised concerns about rising water levels along the River Niger, particularly in border states.
In a statement signed by NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, the Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, directed field offices to intensify community sensitization campaigns.
“She has instructed our operations teams to continue advocacy and mobilization for flood preparedness, especially in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States that share borders with the Republic of Benin,” Ezekiel noted.
Mrs. Umar further appealed to state governments to back their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) with adequate support to activate contingency measures.
“NEMA is committed to ensuring coordinated actions that will safeguard lives and livelihoods in all high-risk communities along the River Niger,” she assured.