Tragedy has struck Niger State as floods have claimed the lives of 11 people, devastated communities, and caused extensive damage across 19 out of the 25 local government areas.
The floodwaters have swept away a staggering 118,692 farmlands, plunging many residents into uncertainty as their means of livelihood have been severely impacted.
In addition to the destruction of farmlands, the floods have affected 246 schools, disrupting education in 529 communities. The widespread devastation has also affected a total of 34 communities, leaving 41,192 people in dire need of relief and support.
Local government areas hardest hit by the floods include Mokwa, Katcha, Lavun, Lapai, Agaie, Shiroro, Munya, Gbako, Kontagora, Bosso, Edati, Agwara, Bida, Magama, Mashegu, Borgu, Gurara, Suleja, and Rijau.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) Director General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, confirmed the severity of the situation in a statement.
He highlighted the scale of destruction, noting that over 6,865 households have been impacted.
Additionally, critical infrastructures have been affected, with 18 bridges and 80 culverts destroyed, worsening transportation and access challenges for relief efforts.
This disaster follows warnings issued by the federal government earlier in the year. On April 17, authorities had cautioned that 148 local government areas across 31 states, including Niger, were at risk of severe flooding between April and November.
