By Peter Omopo
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a fresh warning to residents of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, urging them to evacuate flood-prone areas as water levels in the River Niger continue to rise.
The agency’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, in a statement released on Friday in Abuja, directed all NEMA field offices along communities bordering the River Niger to intensify advocacy and sensitisation campaigns.
According to Umar, the alert follows reports of increasing water levels upstream in the Republic of Benin, which could heighten the risk of flooding in neighbouring Nigerian states.
“Residents in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, which share borders with Benin Republic, are particularly at risk and are advised to take necessary precautions. NEMA offices have been instructed to sensitise communities to remain vigilant and advise residents in high-risk flood plains to evacuate to safer, higher grounds,” she stated.
The DG also called on state governments to strengthen their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to activate contingency plans and preparedness measures.
Umar reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to coordinated action aimed at protecting lives and livelihoods. “The agency is working to mitigate the potential impact of this year’s flooding and safeguard communities at risk,” she added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara are among the states most vulnerable to flooding due to their proximity to the Republic of Benin and their location along the River Niger.
Residents in high-risk areas have been advised to stay alert to flood warnings, prepare evacuation plans, and comply strictly with instructions from NEMA and local authorities.
