There are currently great concerns for residents of Niger State in the northern part of Nigeria following a significant tragedy as floods have resulted in the loss of 11 lives.
Reports revealed that the flooding events have severely impacted communities and caused extensive damage across 19 of the 25 local government areas of the state
The floodwaters have devastated an alarming 118,692 acres of farmland, leaving many residents uncertain about their future as their primary sources of income have been drastically affected.
Moreover, the floods have disrupted education by impacting 246 schools and affecting 529 communities. The widespread destruction has left 34 communities distressed, with 41,192 individuals urgently requiring assistance and support.
The local government areas most severely affected by the floods include Mokwa, Katcha, Lavun, Lapai, Agaie, Shiroro, Munya, Gbako, Kontagora, Bosso, Edati, Agwara, Bida, Magama, Mashegu, Borgu, Gurara, Suleja, and Rijau.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), has confirmed the gravity of the situation in a recent statement.
He emphasized the extensive damage, reporting that over 6,865 households have been affected.
Additionally, vital infrastructure has suffered, with 18 bridges and 80 culverts destroyed, complicating transportation and hindering relief efforts.
This disaster comes in the wake of warnings issued by the federal government earlier this year. On April 17, authorities alerted that 148 local government areas across 31 states, including Niger, were at risk of severe flooding from April to November.
