Devastating floods triggered by heavy rains have swept through several communities in Niger State, leaving a trail of destruction across farmlands and forcing residents to flee to higher ground.
The early morning downpour on Sunday unleashed torrents that submerged vast agricultural lands in Kafin Koro, located in the Paikoro Local Government Area. The situation was even more dire in Lapai LGA, where at least 18 communities were overwhelmed by the rising waters.
Among the most affected villages are Dere, Eshi, Apataku, Tsakanabi, Kuchi Kakanda, Arah, Achiba, Rebba, Ebwa, Pele, Edda, Rigido, Gbami, Yawa, Baka, and Muye.
These largely agrarian communities now face the dual threat of displacement and food insecurity as the floods destroy key crops and farmland infrastructure.
The State Government, reacting swiftly, renewed its call for immediate evacuation of residents in flood-prone areas.
Jonathan Vatsa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, reiterated the urgency in a public statement, imploring inhabitants of riverine regions to relocate.
“We understand the deep ties people have to their ancestral homes,” Vatsa said. “But this is a matter of survival. We cannot afford to witness another tragedy like the Mokwa flood disaster.”
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In an effort to minimize further catastrophe, the government said it would intensify awareness campaigns and work with traditional, community, and religious leaders to drive home the message of early relocation.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier flagged 15 of the state’s 25 local government areas as highly vulnerable to seasonal flooding.
The warning comes on the heels of an alert from the Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre, which identified Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, and Mashegu as areas at significant risk of flooding between July 31 and August 5.
Federal authorities have advised residents of these communities to heed the warning and move to safer zones, while urging local governments to activate disaster mitigation protocols.
As the rain continues to pound the state, uncertainty looms over what lies ahead for thousands of residents. With more rains forecast in the coming days, the risk of further devastation remains high.
The Niger State Government says it is monitoring the situation and will continue coordinating relief and preventive efforts.