Severe floods triggered by heavy downpours on Sunday have devastated communities in Plateau, Bauchi, and Niger states, leaving homes, schools, and farmlands destroyed, and hundreds displaced.
Plateau State: Over 50 Homes, Schools Destroyed
In Shimankar district of Shendam Local Government Area, Plateau State, a torrential rainstorm swept through the Menkaat community, damaging more than 50 houses, including two primary schools and a place of worship.
Strong winds accompanying the rain uprooted trees, toppled electric poles, and tore off rooftops, causing widespread destruction.
Councillor Mazawaje Daniel Danjuma confirmed the incident, saying, “Many residential buildings have collapsed. Rice farms have been washed away by floodwaters. The loss is huge.”
Community leader Lawrence Longwalk called for urgent government intervention, stressing that residents have been left homeless and in desperate need of help.
Bauchi State: Farmlands Washed Away, 40 Households Displaced
In Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State, another rainstorm displaced over 40 households and ravaged farmlands.
Adamu Nayola, Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed that while no lives were lost, many victims—particularly women and children—now require urgent relief.
Nayola blamed the extent of the flooding on a poorly constructed culvert that failed to withstand the water volume. He assured that assessments were ongoing and relief materials would be distributed soon.
Niger State: 18 Communities Affected, Government Urges Evacuation
In Niger State, early morning rainfall flooded several farmlands in Kafin Koro (Paikoro LGA) and 18 other communities in Lapai LGA, including Dere, Eshi, Apataku, Tsakanabi, and Arah.
The state government has urged residents in riverine areas to relocate to higher ground to avoid further disaster.
Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, appealed to residents to heed the relocation warning:
“We understand the emotional ties people have to their ancestral homes, but we must prioritize safety. The Mokwa flood disaster is still fresh in our minds. We cannot allow a repeat.”
Vatsa revealed that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had flagged 15 of the state’s 25 LGAs as high-risk flood zones.
Federal Government Issues Red Alert for Flood-Prone States
The Federal Ministry of Environment, through the National Flood Early Warning Centre, has issued a red alert for flooding in 11 states. The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, unveiled in April by Water Resources Minister Prof. Joseph Utsev, listed over 30 high-risk states, including:
- North & North Central: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Taraba, Yobe, Sokoto
- South: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers
- FCT: Abuja
Rising Toll of 2025 Flood Season
Between March and July 2025, floods and related disasters have killed over 250 people and displaced thousands. The worst-hit incident occurred in Mokwa, Niger State, on June 11, when a flood killed over 200 people and left dozens missing.
In Maiduguri, Borno State, eight buildings collapsed last week during intense flooding, displacing hundreds. Affected neighborhoods include Bulunkutu, Damboa Road, and Moduganari. Fortunately, no deaths were recorded.
Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, five people were confirmed dead and more than 50 injured after floodwaters overran communities in Yola North and Yola South LGAs. Homes, roads, and farmlands were destroyed in areas like Yolde Pate, Modire, and Sabon Pegi.
Conclusion
As the rains intensify, both federal and state authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to take evacuation advisories seriously. Relief efforts are ongoing, but with more rainfall predicted, the risk of further disasters remains high.
