ABUJA — The Federal Government on Tuesday sounded a dire warning that 30 states across Nigeria, along with the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, are at imminent risk of severe flooding, in the aftermath of a devastating deluge that struck Mokwa in Niger State last week, claiming over 200 lives and displacing thousands.
This stark alert was issued by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, during a press briefing in Abuja.
He said the Mokwa flood, one of the deadliest in recent years, was not triggered by any release of water from the nearby Kainji and Jebba dams, but rather by intense rainfall exacerbated by climate change and worsened by human-induced factors.
“Let me make it clear that the flood in Mokwa was not caused by any release of water from the Kainji or Jebba dams. Both dams are safe and structurally intact,” Utsev stated. “What occurred was a combination of extreme weather, poor drainage, and unregulated development that blocked a critical tributary of the River Niger.”
The high-risk states identified include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the FCT.
Utsev explained that Mokwa town’s floodwaters overwhelmed existing infrastructure due to an unprecedented volume of rain. “An ephemeral tributary of River Dingi, which usually remains dry except during rainfall, was blocked by buildings and other constructions. This resulted in water rapidly accumulating and submerging residential areas,” he said.
In addition to over 200 confirmed deaths, more than 500 residents remain unaccounted for, while thousands have been displaced, with entire communities submerged and homes destroyed.
The Minister urged state governments and local councils to take immediate preventive action to avert further disasters. “We are urging all state governments to clear blocked drainage systems, enforce building regulations, and activate emergency response systems,” he said.
He extended condolences to the families of the victims and commended the rapid response by Niger State authorities and emergency services. “The federal government stands in solidarity with the people of Niger State. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.”
Environmental experts warn that with the ongoing rainy season and changing climate patterns, similar disasters could recur unless urgent mitigation steps are taken. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is reportedly coordinating relief operations and preparing contingency plans in the identified high-risk zones.
As floodwaters begin to recede in Mokwa, survivors face a long road to recovery amid warnings of further rainfall in coming weeks. For now, all eyes are on how swiftly both federal and state authorities can act to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.
