The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has raised alarm over rising water levels in Rivers Niger and Benue, warning that several communities face imminent flooding as major dams begin to spill excess water.
In a statement on Thursday, Director General Umar Ibrahim Mohammed said tributaries such as the Rima, Kaduna, and Gongola rivers have also peaked, while reservoirs across the country are experiencing surges due to the peak of the rainy season.
NiHSA listed Kainji and Jebba dams as currently spilling in coordination, threatening communities in Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States, including Kainji, Patigi, New Bussa, Jebba, Gungu, and Baro. Similarly, Goronyo Dam in Sokoto State has reached full capacity and is spilling at maximum rate, flooding communities such as Goronyo, Wamako, Shinaka Yerimawa, and Kurukuru.
In Adamawa State, Kiri Dam on River Gongola is also spilling, causing flooding in Shelleng, Kiri, Tallum, Banjiram, and surrounding areas. NiHSA clarified that ongoing flooding in Yola North, Yola South, Girei, and Numan is due to heavy local rainfall, as Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam has yet to release water.
The agency urged residents of flood-prone communities to take urgent safety measures to protect lives and property, assuring that it is working closely with dam authorities to mitigate the impact.
