By Abdullahi Lukman
Communities in Niger State have been placed on high alert following plans to release excess water from the state’s four major hydroelectric dams—Shiroro, Jebba, Kainji, and Zungeru—raising fears of widespread flooding.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) issued a warning that the high-volume discharge could lead to the overflow of Rivers Niger and Kaduna, threatening lives, homes, and farmlands across multiple local government areas.
According to NSEMA Director General, Abdullahi Arah, alerts from dam operators confirmed that thousands of gallons of water would be released per minute, creating high flood risks.
He advised residents, particularly those living in riverine areas, to evacuate to safer, identified locations and avoid riverbanks during this peak rainy season.
The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency also issued a similar advisory, urging communities to relocate to higher ground to prevent loss of life and property.
Arah disclosed that several areas have already experienced flood damage, including destroyed homes, submerged farmlands, collapsed bridges, and blocked link roads, severely affecting socio-economic activities.
He confirmed that fatalities had occurred in some parts of the state.
Affected local governments include Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Gbako, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Mashegu, Agwara, Bida, Edati, Munya, Bosso, Chanchaga, Paikoro, and Wushishi.
Beyond flooding, Arah warned that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) had forecast violent windstorms toward the end of the rainy season.
He advised residents to avoid standing under trees or staying in weak structures during storms.
