By Michael AMAJAMA
The Federal Government has warned that 11 states may experience heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding between Sunday and Thursday.
The latest warning is coming on the heels of a similar circular issued in August warning of possible flooding between 10 and 14 August 2025.
In the latest alert by the Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre, the affected states and locations are Adamawa State (Ganye, Natubi); Benue State (Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma, Ukpiam); Nasarawa State (Agima, Rukubi, Odogbo); Taraba State (Beli, Serti, Donga); Delta State (Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh, Okpo-Krika); and Niger State (Rijau).
Others are Kebbi State (Ribah); Kano State (Gwarzo, Karaye); Katsina State (Jibia); Sokoto State (Makira); and Zamfara State (Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka, Bungudu).
The notice said rising water levels in the River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger pose additional risks, warning that communities situated on the floodplains are especially vulnerable.
“Also, 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.
“Relevant stakeholders should kindly take note,” the alert added.
The ministry also urged state governments and other agencies to provide prompt feedback and act quickly to mitigate the impact.
Bokani urged residents to act swiftly, while calling on local authorities and state emergency management agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
He also encouraged stakeholders to report any flood incidents promptly to enable rapid emergency response.
The warning came as residents of Manchok community, Moro’a Chiefdom in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, appealed to both the federal and state governments for urgent assistance following severe flooding that submerged homes and farmlands.
The floods, which resulted from heavy rainfall over the past three days, destroyed properties, food crops, and plantations, leaving residents stranded and counting their losses.
One of the affected residents, Duniya Awuwu Sambo, told the media in front of his flooded house that the incident left him confused and helpless.
He lamented that electronics, furniture, and other household items were destroyed.
“The flood destroyed my property and kept my family awake all night draining water from the house,” he said.
Several communities have suffered flooding with lives lost and property costing millions lost in the process.
