The Federal Government has warned that there could be heavy rain and possible flooding in 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between August 15 (Friday) and August 19, 2025.
People living in areas along the River Benue—especially from Yola in Adamawa State, through Makurdi in Benue State, to Loko in Nasarawa State—are advised to leave their homes because water levels are rising.
The Ministry of Environment said that flooding may affect 66 different places across the 13 states and the FCT.
This warning came from the National Flood Early Warning Centre, part of the Federal Ministry of Environment. The alert was shared with a news reporter on Friday.
The alert, signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani from the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, also repeated the advice for people living near the River Benue—from Yola to Loko—to evacuate due to the rising water.
The states and towns that may be affected include: Adamawa(Abba Kumbo, Numan), Bauchi (Jama’a, Kafin Madaki), FCT (Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Kwali, Asokoro, Lugbe, and others), Oyo (Iseyin, Kishi, Ogbomoso), Nasarawa (Toto, Mararaba), Kaduna(Kafanchan), Kebbi(Ribah, Saminaka, Yelwa, and others).
Other states on the list are: Kano(Kano, Wudil, Sumaila), Kwara (Kaiama, Jebba), Niger (Lapai, Suleja, Rijau, and others), Yobe (Geidam), Sokoto (Sokoto, Wamakko), Borno (Bama, Kukawa, Mallam Fatori), Zamfara(Gusau).
The Federal Government also told the state governments and other responsible groups to get ready for emergencies. It said their response and feedback will help in taking quick action.
Earlier, on July 27, heavy rains caused flash floods in Yola South, Adamawa State. The flood led to deaths, people being forced out of their homes, and damage to property.
On Wednesday, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the water level at Bakin Kogi in Jimeta, Adamawa State, had passed the danger point of 6.0 meters.
The agency said that water flowing in from upstream areas was now more than 3,222 cubic meters per second, which increases the chance of the river overflowing.
NEMA warned that as of August 13, the high water level in Jimeta is a serious risk. Flood-prone communities nearby are in immediate danger.
