NEMA Urges Kebbi Govt to Enforce Resettlement of Flood-Prone Communities

• NEMA urges the Kebbi State government to relocate communities in flood-prone areas following NiMet’s prediction of severe flooding risks
• Deputy Governor Umaru Abubakar Tafida reports rising water levels across all local government areas, emphasizing the urgency of relocation efforts

In response to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) prediction of severe flooding in Kebbi State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on the state government to enforce the relocation of communities in flood-prone areas.

Dr. Daniel Obot, NEMA’s Zonal Director, emphasized the importance of implementing comprehensive safety measures to protect lives and property. He urged collaboration with local governments and stakeholders to sensitize communities about necessary precautions.

With rising water levels in rivers across the state, Obot highlighted the urgent need to relocate residents from the most vulnerable areas. NiMet’s forecast indicates that Kebbi, along with regions affected by the River Niger, River Kwar, and River Rima in Zamfara and Sokoto, could experience serious flooding.

In response, the Deputy Governor of Kebbi, Senator Umaru Abubakar Tafida, thanked NEMA for its ongoing support in addressing the flooding risks. He mentioned that a committee formed by the state government had assessed water levels across the region, revealing that all 21 local government areas are affected.

Tafida noted, “Water levels have risen due to flooding from various rivers flowing into the River Niger.” He singled out areas like Bagudo, Yauri, Shanga, Bunza, and Ngaski as particularly at risk. He added, “We are in a difficult situation, but the committee is working to relocate people in these high-risk areas to safer highlands.”