The federal ministry of environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEW) has issued a flood alert covering 32 locations across 11 states, warning that communities could be at risk between September 14 and 18.
In a circular released on Sunday, September 14, Usman Bokani, director of erosion, flood and coastal zone management, said the alert followed rising water levels in the River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger.
The areas flagged 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. Others 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.
The ministry urged residents along the floodplains, particularly those near Gongola up to Numan and from Benue and Niger up to Lokoja, to evacuate without delay.
“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,” the alert stated.
Authorities further called on stakeholders to take necessary precautions to mitigate the risks. The warning comes days after torrential rains in Zaria, Kaduna State, displaced more than 470 children and destroyed at least 270 homes. Earlier this month, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that 231 people had died in floods this year, with 607 injured and 114 still missing.
Flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing environmental challenges. In 2024 alone, more than 5.2 million people were affected across 35 states and 401 local government areas, with over 1.2 million displaced, 1,237 killed and 16,469 injured.