By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued an urgent warning to residents living along the River Niger in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States to evacuate immediately to safer locations as water levels continue to rise.
The increase is attributed to heavy inflows of water from the neighboring Republic of Benin, raising fears of potential flooding in vulnerable communities.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, confirmed that the agency has activated its flood preparedness and response protocols.
She directed NEMA’s regional and zonal offices situated along the River Niger corridor to step up public awareness campaigns and mobilization efforts aimed at ensuring that residents in high-risk areas are fully informed and ready to evacuate if necessary.
“We are closely monitoring the rising water levels and have taken all necessary steps to prepare for a possible flood event,” Mrs. Umar said.
“It is critical that residents in flood-prone areas heed our warnings and move to higher ground without delay to protect themselves and their families.”
The agency also called on the affected state governments to provide support to their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
Mrs. Umar stressed the importance of fully implementing contingency plans designed to reduce the impact of flooding on lives, property, and livelihoods.
“We must work together in a swift and coordinated manner to safeguard communities at risk,” she added, emphasizing NEMA’s commitment to a comprehensive national flood response strategy amidst increasing climate-related threats.
NEMA reassured the public that it is collaborating with national and regional partners, including meteorological and hydrological agencies, to continuously assess the situation and respond promptly to any emergencies.
The agency also advised residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of flooding to local authorities.
As climate change intensifies rainfall patterns and increases the frequency of extreme weather events, such warnings are becoming more critical for vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s riverine states.
