By Abbas Nazil
The National Flood Early Warning Center (FEW CENTER) has issued an urgent warning that 15 states across the country are at risk of flooding between September 14 and 18, 2025, due to predictions of heavy rainfall.
The center said in a statement in Abuja that the states likely to be affected include Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Delta, Niger, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
Specific communities listed are Ganye and Natubi in Adamawa, Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma, and Ukpiam in Benue, Agima, Rukubi, and Odogbo in Nasarawa, as well as Beli, Serti, and Donga in Taraba.
In Delta State, the areas of Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh, and Okpo-Krika were mentioned. Rijau in Niger State, Ribah in Kebbi, Gwarzo and Karaye in Kano, Jibia in Katsina, and Makira in Sokoto were also included in the flood alert.
Communities in Zamfara such as Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka, and Bungudu were equally identified as being under threat.
The ministry further warned that rising water levels in River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger have increased the danger.
Communities located on the floodplains of these rivers, stretching from Gongola up to Numan, the Benue River plain, and the Niger River plain up to Lokoja, were strongly advised to evacuate to safer grounds.
The alert, signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, urged relevant stakeholders and state governments to take immediate action to protect lives and property.
The ministry also appealed for feedback and cooperation from state representatives to ensure effective preparedness and timely response.
