Minna — The Niger State Government has ordered people living downstream of the Shiroro, Jebba, Kainji, and Zungeru dams to move to safer areas immediately. Authorities say the dams are about to release excess water, which could trigger serious flooding in riverine communities.
The warning came through the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) after dam operators raised alarms about the potential danger.
NSEMA Director General, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, said the water to be released—measured in thousands of gallons per minute—could make Rivers Niger and Kaduna overflow, putting lives and property at great risk.
“We are urging residents to stay away from riverbanks during this peak rainy season and move to safer grounds that have already been identified,” Arah said.
He added that the Nigerian Hydrological Services also advised residents along Rivers Niger and Kaduna to evacuate immediately to avoid the expected flooding.
Arah warned that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicts strong windstorms as the rainy season comes to an end. He urged people not to take shelter under trees during heavy rains and to avoid weak or unsafe buildings.
Flooding has already started affecting several areas, washing away homes, farmlands, roads, and bridges. The local government areas worst hit include Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Gbako, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Mashegu, Agwara, Bida, Edati, Munya, Bosso, Chanchaga, Paikoro, and Wushishi.
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The disaster has displaced many residents and disrupted daily life. While some lives have been lost, exact numbers have not been released.
The government is urging everyone in high-risk areas to follow the evacuation orders immediately as the dams begin releasing water.
