KABBA, Nigeria – July 8, 2025 — Torrential rain over a span of three days has caused severe flooding in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State and across three senatorial districts of Ondo State, destroying homes, collapsing bridges, and displacing hundreds of residents.
In Kogi, more than 500 houses in Kabba, including worship centres and schools, have been submerged as heavy rainfall led to the overflow of streams and brooks. The worst-hit area is the Idde-Iyah community within Kabba metropolis, where the flood left a trail of destruction.
Chief Obahunlewo, the Obaladugbo of Ekiri Quarter in Idde-Iyah, lost his residence and personal belongings to the flood. The traditional ruler, a retired police officer currently undergoing medical treatment, was reportedly in tears upon hearing the news of his home’s destruction.
“This is the worst flood we have seen in years,” said Lawal Abejide, a community leader in Kabba/Bunu. “Over 500 households have been affected, including places of worship. We have lost more than 1,500 domestic animals. People are now stranded, with nowhere to go.”
Residents say the rainfall started on Wednesday night and continued non-stop until Saturday morning. The downpour caused rivers and smaller waterways to breach their banks, flooding entire neighbourhoods and washing away properties worth millions of naira.
In neighbouring Ondo State, the situation was equally dire. A prolonged downpour over three days caused flash floods across several towns and villages in all three senatorial districts. Sources confirmed that at least seven bridges have collapsed, cutting off affected communities from their farms, local markets, and places of work.
Many residents have been displaced and are now taking shelter in makeshift accommodations or staying with relatives in safer areas. The destruction of critical infrastructure, including bridges, has complicated emergency response and aid distribution efforts.
State authorities in both Kogi and Ondo are yet to release official figures or a coordinated disaster response plan. However, local leaders and affected residents are calling for urgent government intervention to assist displaced families, rebuild collapsed structures, and prevent future occurrences.
“We appeal to the state and federal governments to come to our aid,” Abejide urged. “The people here have lost everything. Without immediate help, the situation will worsen.”
Environmental experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like the recent flooding. Without improved drainage systems and disaster preparedness, many communities in Nigeria remain at high risk.
As rains continue to fall across parts of the country, there is growing concern that more flooding could occur in the coming weeks, further displacing residents and damaging infrastructure.
