The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued an urgent warning to residents in flood-prone areas of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, urging them to relocate to safer and higher grounds as rising water levels threaten communities along the River Niger.

According to NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the alert follows reports of increasing water levels in the upstream areas of the River Niger in the Republic of Benin. She explained that immediate awareness and preparedness were crucial to preventing large-scale disasters.

In a directive sent to NEMA’s operational offices, Mrs. Umar ordered intensified advocacy and sensitization campaigns to keep communities vigilant and encourage residents in high-risk flood plains to evacuate before the situation worsens.

She further called on the governments of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara to actively support their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in rolling out contingency measures. The DG assured that NEMA remained fully committed to coordinated actions aimed at safeguarding lives and livelihoods.

Meanwhile, NEMA has also confirmed the rescue of 41 persons from the recent tragic boat mishap in Goronyo, Sokoto State. Sadly, four lives were lost in the incident. The victims’ remains have since been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.

During the rescue operations, officials visited the affected villages of Takuske, Kwakwazu, Bari, and Gamiha to verify missing persons and console bereaved families. The operation, which involved NEMA, Sokoto SEMA, NIWA, local authorities, and community divers, has now been officially concluded.

Mrs. Umar commended the joint rescue team for their diligence and collaboration, stressing that the lessons learned from both the flood preparedness and the boat mishap highlight the need for vigilance, preparedness, and collective action to reduce disaster risks across the country.