The Federal Government has directed residents of four local government areas in Niger State to relocate to higher ground following a fresh flood warning issued by the Ministry of Environment.
The National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment issued the alert on Thursday, stating that the areas were likely to experience heavy rainfall that might result in flooding from July 31 to August 4, 2025.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the affected LGs are Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, and Mashegu.
The ministry urged stakeholders in the state to take appropriate action to mitigate the risk.
Titled ‘Flood Prediction’, the statement was signed by the Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani.
It read, “The following locations and their environs are likely to witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding within the period of prediction, 31st July to 4th August 2025.
“Relevant stakeholders should kindly take note. Feedback from the relevant stakeholders and government representatives will be highly appreciated.”
Reacting to the flood alert, the state Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Yakubu Kolo, on Friday, said the state had already issued a directive through radio announcements, urging residents of the flood-prone areas to commence evacuation plans.
Kolo explained that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had earlier issued a broader flood alert affecting 15 local government areas in the state.
He said the state’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Strategy, had subsequently issued a public announcement urging residents to activate evacuation plans.
According to him, the flood threat is due to rising water levels in the Niger, Kaduna, and Gurara rivers, which could also affect major roads across the state.
“Some of the state’s local governments issued with flood alert include Agaie, Bida, Borogu, Bosso, Edati, Bako, Katcha, Lapai, Lavun, Magama, Mashegu, Mokwa, Rafi, Shiroro, and Wushishi,” he said.
Kolo added that the major roads that may be affected include Awuru–Imigifala Road, Mokwa–Gana Road, Owo–Tegina Road, Wawa–Yelwa Road, and Kainji Road.
“All emergency agencies are advised to be on alert and ready to respond. Communities in the affected areas should prepare and activate evacuation plans. Residents are strongly urged to respond swiftly to any alert,” he said.
