The Federal Government has cautioned that no fewer than seven states in Nigeria face imminent flooding as heavy rainfall continues across parts of the country.
In a public alert signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani, the Federal Ministry of Environment disclosed that between August 23 and 24, communities across Benue, Borno, Gombe, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Yobe states could experience significant flooding.
Mr. Bokani stressed that residents living along the flood plains of the River Niger, particularly between Jebba and Lokoja, should relocate without delay. “Due to the rise in the water level of River Niger, communities on the flood plain from Jebba to Lokoja are advised to evacuate,” he said.
Some of the communities listed as vulnerable include Makurdi, Otukpo, Gbajimba, Briyel, Dikwa, Nafada, Jega, Keffi, Lapai, and Gashua.
On its part, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued a parallel warning through a press release signed by its Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel. The agency’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, directed field offices to intensify advocacy and emergency preparedness, particularly in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, which share borders with the Republic of Benin.
“She further urged the State Governments of the identified high-risk areas to support their Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in activating contingency plans,” the statement emphasized.
Frontpagenews.ng reports that NEMA reassured citizens that it is working closely with state governments to mitigate the risks and minimize damages to lives and property.
