FG asks 55 communities to relocate over flooding
The Federal Government has warned that 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory may experience heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding between August 15, (Friday) and 19, 2025.
The government advised residents of communities along the River Benue floodplain—from Yola (Adamawa State) through Makurdi (Benue State) to Loko (Nasarawa State) to evacuate due to rising water levels.
The ministry said a total of 66 locations across the 13 states and the FCT might be affected by potential flooding.
This is according to an alert from the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment obtained by our correspondent on Friday.
The flood alert, signed by the Director, Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, stated, “Also, due to the increase in the water level of River Benue, communities on the flood plain from Yola through Makurdi to Loko in Nasarawa State are advised to evacuate.”
The states and locations identified in the alert are Adamawa (Abba Kumbo, Numan); Bauchi (Jama’a, Kafin Madaki); FCT (Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Kwali, Abuja CBD, Asokoro, Damagaza, Garki 1, Garki 2, Gwarinpa, Guzape, Nyanya, Kurudu, Wuse 1, Wuse 2, Lugbe, Maitama, Lokogoma); Oyo (Iseyin, Kishi, Ogbomoso); Nasarawa (Toto, Mararaba); Kaduna (Kafanchan); Kebbi (Ribah, Saminaka, Shanga, Yelwa, Bunza, Bagudo, Gauri Banza).
Other states are Kano (Kano, Wudil, Sumaila); Kwara (Kaiama, Jebba); Niger (Lapai, Suleja, Rijau, New Bussa, Ibi, Kontagora, Mokwa, Mashegu, Lavun, Magama); Yobe (Geidam); Sokoto (Sokoto, Wamakko); Borno (Bama, Mallam Fatori, Kukawa); and Zamfara (Gusau).
The Federal Government also urged states and other stakeholders to step up preparedness, adding that feedback from them would aid early response efforts.
On July 27, flash floods triggered by heavy rain affected Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State, causing fatalities, displacement, and damage.
The National Emergency Management Agency, on Wednesday, warned that the water level at Bakin Kogi, Jimeta, Adamawa State, had surpassed the warning threshold of 6.0 meters.
According to the agency, the current discharge rates from upstream sources exceeded 3,222 m³/s, posing a heightened risk of overbank flooding.
“As of 13th August 2025, the water level at Bakin Kogi, Jimeta, has surpassed the warning threshold of 6.0 meters.
“Current discharge rates from upstream sources exceed 3,222 m³/s, posing a heightened risk of overbank flooding.
“Low-lying areas of Jimeta and surrounding flood prone communities are under immediate threat,” NEMA stated.
