JUST IN: FG Sounds Flood Alarm in 11 states, Urges Evacuation

The Federal Ministry of Environment, through the National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEWS CENTRE), has raised an alert across 11 states over anticipated heavy rainfall that could trigger flooding between 14th and 18th September, 2025.

In a flood advisory dated Sunday, September 14, 2025, and signed by the Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, the federal government also urged communities in flood plains to evacuate.

Bokani listed the affected states and their respective communities as Adamawa – Ganye, Natubi; Benue – Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma and Ukpiam; Nasarawa – Agima, Rukubi and Odogbo; and Taraba – Beli, Serti and Donga.

Others include Delta – Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh and Okpo-Krika; Niger – Rijau; Kebbi – Ribah; Kano – Gwarzo and Karaye; Katsina – Jibia; Sokoto – Makira; and Zamfara – Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka and Bungudu.

“Also, due to the rise in the water level of the River Gongola, River Benue, and Niger, communities on the flood plain of River Gongola up to Numan, the flood plain of River Benue and River Niger up to Lokoja are advised to evacuate,” the advisory read.

The statement further appealed to relevant stakeholders to take note, while also welcoming feedback from both stakeholders and state government representatives on its platform.