Juliet Jacob 
Director Erosion Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigerian Government has warned of severe flooding in 32 locations across 11 states, urging thousands of residents to move to higher ground as rivers threaten to overflow.
The Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEW) said on Sunday that heavy flooding is expected between 14 and 18 September along the River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger. Officials fear a repeat of last year’s nationwide disaster.
In a statement, Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, Usman Bokani, listed high-risk areas in Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Delta, Niger, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
“Communities on the flood plains of River Gongola up to Numan, and those along River Benue and River Niger up to Lokoja, are advised to evacuate immediately,” Bokani said, urging stakeholders to act quickly.
The alert follows torrential rainfall in Zaria, Kaduna State, which left more than 470 children homeless and destroyed at least 270 houses.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), flooding in 2024 has already killed 231 people, injured over 600, and left 114 missing. Last year, more than 1.2 million people were displaced and 1,237 lives lost.
“We are appealing to communities to prioritise safety and move out of harm’s way before the waters rise further,” a senior NEMA official said.
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Chukwu Obinna 
Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness