The Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have issued fresh flood alerts, warning residents in seven states and 25 communities across Nigeria to evacuate to safer grounds.
In a statement signed by Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, the ministry cautioned that heavy rainfall expected between August 23 and 24 could trigger dangerous flooding. He specifically advised communities along the flood plains of the River Niger, from Jebba to Lokoja, to begin immediate evacuation due to rising water levels.
The ministry listed the at-risk states and communities as follows:
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
In a separate statement signed by its Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA reinforced the warning, directing its offices across the country to step up advocacy and mobilization for flood preparedness.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, ordered officials to sensitize communities and ensure residents in flood-prone areas, particularly in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States bordering the Benin Republic, move to higher grounds.
She also called on state governments to empower their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to activate contingency plans.
NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to “coordinated actions aimed at safeguarding lives and livelihoods along the River Niger.”
