Heavy rains have submerged seven villages in Taraba State’s Lau Local Government Area, with Kunini suffering the worst damage. This development coincides with a fresh flood advisory issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment, covering 14 states expected to face severe downpours from September 4 to 8, 2025.
The National Flood Early Warning Centre, under the Environment Ministry, alerted stakeholders on Thursday from Abuja to brace for potential flooding triggered by intense rainfall across a swath of Nigerian states. The list includes Ebonyi, Cross River, Kano, Zamfara, Taraba, Abia, Yobe, Plateau, Borno, Imo, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Akwa Ibom.
This announcement comes just days after persistent showers led to the inundation of several communities along the River Benue, particularly in Lau LGA. Dozens of homes and agricultural lands are now underwater, displacing hundreds of residents and destroying valuable property.
Peter Julius, Taraba’s Commissioner for Urban and Rural Development and a native of one of the affected hamlets, described the flooding as unprecedented in scale. He detailed how businesses and personal belongings worth millions of naira were lost, alongside hundreds of livestock. He said efforts are ongoing to evacuate vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
Despite prior advisories from the state’s Ministry of Environment urging residents in flood-prone zones to relocate, many failed to heed warnings, exacerbating the crisis. Reports from communities around Karim-Lamido, Gassol, Lau, and Ibi LGAs indicated the River Benue has begun spilling over its banks, alarming inhabitants.
Floods have repeatedly battered regions across Nigeria this year. Dawn Herald reported months ago that, Mokwa in Niger State suffered catastrophic flooding between April and May due to dam releases and heavy rainfall, with over 200 deaths and extensive displacement.
In Kaduna, flooding recently demolished more than 200 homes in Zaria and Sabon-Gari LGAs. Dr. Usman Hayatu-Mazadu, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, noted that despite warnings, many inhabitants declined evacuation orders, aggravating the situation.
Tragic boat incidents connected to rising water levels have also occurred. Dawn Herald reported that in Niger State’s Borgu LGA, a ferry carrying around 90 passengers capsized after colliding with a submerged tree. Rescue teams recovered 60 bodies, while 50 survivors were saved. Officials blamed overloading for the accident and emphasized ongoing safety improvements such as distributing life jackets.
To combat repetitive flooding, state governments have intensified public education campaigns and taken structural actions like clearing blocked drainage and establishing shelters on higher ground. Kaduna State, for example, has expanded its community liaison network to better coordinate flood response and relief efforts.
Dr. Mazadu confirmed that relief materials and self-help centres are pre-positioned, equipped with essentials including tents, food, and sanitation, ready to accommodate displaced citizens.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Emergency Management Agency urged immediate evacuation for residents near the Gadabul River due to sudden strong currents. Plateau State authorities have been mobilizing religious and traditional institutions to disseminate flood risk information.
The National Emergency Management Agency’s representative in Kano disclosed collaborations with local committees to identify vulnerable areas and impart critical guidance to residents, reducing potential harm.
Yobe State’s Emergency Management Secretary, Dr. Goje Muhammad, described their proactive conversation on disaster reduction through early warnings, urban planning, and community sensitization. Recent floods in Yobe have affected over 50,000 people, causing deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage.
On the communication front, the National Orientation Agency has been rallying Benue residents to obey flood warnings faithfully, cautioning that poor waste management exacerbates flooding risks nationwide.
Residents in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, continue to contend with chronic urban flooding worsened by clogged gutters and substandard construction.
Locals at hotspot areas expressed frustration over delayed government intervention and persistent waterlogging along key city roads after rain.
Authorities urge residents of flood hotspot areas to adhere strictly to warnings and proactive relocations to curb future losses.
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