Nigerian govt issues fresh flood alert across 11 states

The federal government has warned of imminent flooding in 32 locations across 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging vulnerable communities to evacuate immediately.

The National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEW) of the Ministry of Environment issued the alert on Sunday, citing rising water levels in the River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger as major threats.

According to the advisory signed by Usman Bokani, director of erosion, flood and coastal zone management, areas under threat include Ganye and Natubi in Adamawa; Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma and Ukpiam in Benue; Agima, Rukubi and Odogbo in Nasarawa; Beli, Serti and Donga in Taraba; Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh and Okpo-Krika in Delta; and Rijau in Niger.

Other high-risk areas are Ribah in Kebbi; Gwarzo and Karaye in Kano; Jibia in Katsina; Makira in Sokoto; as well as Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka and Bungudu in Zamfara.

“Due to a rise in the water level of River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger, the communities on the flood plains of River Gongola up to Numan, and also communities on the flood plains of River Benue and River Niger up to Lokoja are advised to evacuate immediately,” the circular warned.

The centre also called on state governments, local councils, and emergency agencies to activate response plans and provide shelters for residents at risk.

The alert comes just days after torrential rainfall in Zaria, Kaduna state, displaced more than 470 children and destroyed at least 270 homes, heightening fears of a prolonged flood season.

Flooding has become a recurring disaster across Nigeria, destroying farmlands, homes, and infrastructure each year. Experts warn that delayed evacuation and poor disaster preparedness continue to amplify the scale of losses.