Residents of four local government areas in Niger State have been ordered to relocate to higher ground as authorities respond to a fresh flood alert issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The National Flood Early Warning Centre warned that heavy rainfall from July 31 to August 4 may cause severe flooding in Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, and Mashegu, prompting urgent evacuation efforts.
In a statement signed by Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, the ministry stressed that “relevant stakeholders should kindly take note,” adding that feedback from local authorities would be “highly appreciated.”
Reacting to the warning, the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Yakubu Kolo, confirmed that public announcements had already been aired on local radio, urging residents to begin immediate evacuation.
He explained that 15 local governments were flagged in an earlier alert from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency due to rising water levels in the Niger, Kaduna, and Gurara rivers.
“Some of the state’s local governments issued with flood alert include Agaie, Bida, Bosso, Lavun, Mokwa, Rafi, and Wushishi,” he said, listing major roads also at risk of being submerged.
Kolo urged emergency agencies to remain on high alert, stating, “Communities in the affected areas should prepare and activate evacuation plans… residents are strongly urged to respond swiftly to any alert.”
