Relocation Advisory
The Niger State Government has issued a strong warning to residents living along the banks of Rivers Niger and Kaduna to relocate to safer grounds, following the ongoing release of large volumes of water from major hydroelectric dams.
The alert was contained in a statement signed on Thursday by the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah.
According to him, the development became necessary after the Kainji, Shiroro, Zungeru, and Jebba dams began discharging excess water to prevent overflow. He noted that the release, though routine, significantly increases the risk of flooding in downstream communities.
“The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, and this could result in river overflow and widespread flooding in surrounding areas. Residents in vulnerable communities must take precautionary measures, including moving to higher ground,” Baba-Arah said.
He also advised residents to exercise extreme caution around riverbanks at this time.
“We strongly urge our people to reduce farming, fishing, and other activities near the riverbanks during this peak rainy season. Flood incidents can occur suddenly, and prevention is always safer than rescue operations,” he added.
Emergency Preparedness
Baba-Arah explained that while emergency response teams are on standby, the agency is prioritizing early warnings to save lives and property.
He stressed that communities have a responsibility to heed official advisories, noting that NSEMA has already begun sensitization campaigns in flood-prone areas.
The agency further warned that ignoring the relocation advice could put lives at risk, as past incidents have shown how quickly water levels can rise once the dams are opened.
Recurring Challenge
Flooding has remained a recurring problem in Niger State and other riverine areas across Nigeria.
In recent years, the release of water from dams has displaced thousands, destroyed farmland, washed away homes, and disrupted economic activities.
Experts have consistently linked the devastating impact to a combination of factors, including poor drainage, encroachment on floodplains, and inadequate urban planning.
Niger State, which hosts several of Nigeria’s largest dams, is often one of the hardest-hit states whenever water levels rise.
Safety Tips for Residents
To reduce risks, NSEMA outlined the following safety measures for residents in flood-prone communities:
- Move valuables and important documents to higher ground.
- Avoid staying in houses located close to riverbanks.
- Refrain from fishing, farming, or swimming near the rivers during this period.
- Parents should keep children away from flooded areas to prevent accidents.
- Report unusual changes in water levels promptly to local authorities.
Collective Responsibility
The statement concluded with a call for community cooperation and collective responsibility in mitigating the risks.
“Government alone cannot prevent flooding. We need individuals, families, and community leaders to act responsibly by relocating early and supporting our efforts to keep everyone safe,” the NSEMA boss said.
The agency assured that it would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates as water is gradually released from the dams.