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Tag: Niger flood

  • Niger govt urges riverside communities to relocate as flood warnings intensify

    Niger govt urges riverside communities to relocate as flood warnings intensify

    The Niger State Government has called on residents living along riversides to heed federal flood warnings and begin relocating to safer areas, as heavy rainfall and potential flooding loom across several states, including Niger.

    This appeal follows a forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which predicted widespread thunderstorms and heavy rains likely to trigger flooding in 15 states. 

    The Federal Ministry of Environment also identified 38 high-risk locations across the country in a warning issued through the National Flood Early Warning Centre.

    In a statement released on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, the state government emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that proactive measures must be taken to prevent a repeat of the recent Mokwa flood disaster, which claimed over 200 lives and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

    “Niger State is one of the most flood-prone in the country, with over 2,000 riverside communities across 15 local government areas,” Vatsa said. “We must not wait for another catastrophe before taking action.”

    He urged residents to take the federal warnings seriously and begin relocating immediately. 

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    To demonstrate its commitment, the state government is launching a statewide awareness and sensitisation campaign, targeting flood-prone communities and encouraging residents to temporarily leave their ancestral homes for safety.

    Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads have also been called upon to assist in spreading the message and encouraging compliance with safety measures.

  • Niger flood: CAN ready to help – Okoh

    Niger flood: CAN ready to help – Okoh

    • Facilitates with Muslim at Eid-el-Kabir

    Following the flood incident that killed over 100 people in Niger State, the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Friday said it’s ready to help.

    President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, asked churches and Christians to support those in need by giving food, clothes, money, or offering prayers and kind words.

    Okoh said CAN will also work with the government and other groups to make sure help reaches those in need.

    The CAN boss also used the opportunity to felicitate with Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el- Kabir.

    In a statement issued by Okoh, CAN said; “On behalf of the national leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), I extend warm greetings to all our Muslim brothers and sisters as you celebrate Eid-el-Kabir 2025.

    “This special festival, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, reminds us of the faith and obedience shown by Abraham (Prophet Ibrahim). It teaches us about sacrifice, love, and kindness values shared by Christians and Muslims alike.

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    “Eid-el-Kabir is a time to come together with family and friends, to share meals, and to care for one another. It is also a time to spread joy and build unity in our communities. As Nigerians, we can all use this moment to show peace and respect, no matter our faith.

    “While we celebrate, we also remember those going through hard times. In Mokwa, Niger State, many families have suffered due to serious flooding. Lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and many people are in need. We send our prayers to everyone affected and ask God to give them strength and comfort.

    “Even when disasters strike, the spirit of Nigerians stays strong. We thank the Niger State government, emergency workers, and volunteers who are helping. CAN promises to play its part in bringing hope and relief.

  • Northern elders mourn Niger flood victims, urges FG to act swiftly on relief materials

    Northern elders mourn Niger flood victims, urges FG to act swiftly on relief materials

    The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic flood disaster in Niger State, which has claimed over 160 lives and caused the destruction of infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods worth billions of naira.

    In a condolence message issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the forum extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, as well as the Government and people of Niger State.

    NEF called on the federal government to take urgent and comprehensive action to support victims, including the immediate deployment of relief materials, access to medical and psychosocial care, and the restoration of essential services in affected communities.

    The forum also raised alarm over the recurring nature of such disasters, pointing to climate change, poor urban planning, weak environmental management, and inadequate disaster preparedness as root causes that must be urgently addressed to prevent future tragedies.

    Jiddere said, “The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), wishes to convey its deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and to the people and Government of Niger State, following the tragic and catastrophic flood disaster that has claimed the lives of over 160 citizens and resulted in the destruction of homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure worth billions of naira

    “This painful tragedy is not an isolated event. It echoes similar devastating floods that swept through several parts of Northern Nigeria in the past year, highlighting an alarming trend of recurrent natural disasters that continue to inflict severe humanitarian and socio-economic consequences on affected communities.

    “The Forum is profoundly concerned by the recurring nature of these flood incidents, which reflect not only changing climate patterns but also systemic challenges in the areas of urban planning, environmental management, and disaster preparedness. The loss of so many lives and the scale of destruction witnessed in Niger State demand a robust, coordinated, and sustained response at the highest levels of government.”

    NEF stressed that such intervention should be undertaken in close collaboration with the Niger State Government to ensure effective coordination, proper targeting of aid, and long-term recovery planning.

    The forum urged the Federal Government to commission a thorough investigation into the causes and contributing factors behind the flooding. 

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    Jiddere added; “This should involve expert assessments of water management infrastructure, drainage systems, land use practices, and emergency response mechanisms. The outcome of such an investigation must inform the development of a national flood mitigation strategy tailored to the specific vulnerabilities of Northern Nigeria.

    “To avert future disasters of this magnitude, NEF recommends urgent investment in modern flood control systems, rehabilitation and expansion of existing drainage networks, reinforcement of riverbanks, and the establishment of early warning systems. Additionally, there must be a commitment to public education and community-level preparedness, particularly in flood-prone areas.

    “The Northern Elders Forum stands in solidarity with the victims of this tragedy and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for policies and actions that protect the lives, dignity, and welfare of all Nigerians.”