The advisory, contained in a statement signed on Thursday by the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, followed planned water discharges from the Kainji, Shiroro, Zungeru, and Jebba hydroelectric dams.
According to Baba-Arah, the dams are currently releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, creating a high risk of river overflow and flooding across vulnerable communities.
“The Nigerian Hydrological Services has advised communities along the River Niger and River Kaduna to relocate. The release of water from Kainji, Shiroro, Zungeru, and Jebba dams could lead to overflow and severe flooding. Residents are also advised to limit activities along the riverbanks during this peak rainy season,” the statement read.
He added that the Federal Government has already predicted that the tail end of the rainy season could be accompanied by violent windstorms, further increasing the risk of disaster.
Baba-Arah stressed that several local government areas in the state have already begun experiencing the destructive effects of flooding, which has washed away houses, farmlands, bridges, and roads, and in some cases, claimed lives.
Among the affected LGAs are Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Gbako, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Mashegu, Agwara, Bida, Edati, Munya, Bosso, Chanchaga, Paikoro, and Wushishi.
The Punch recalls that in May 2025, Mokwa Local Government Area of the state suffered a devastating flood disaster that killed over 200 people and displaced more than 500 residents.
The state government has therefore appealed for urgent compliance with the relocation advisory to prevent further loss of lives and property.
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