In a devastating turn of events, heavy rainfall on Sunday caused widespread flooding across Plateau, Bauchi, and Niger states in Nigeria, leaving behind massive destruction. Over 50 homes, schools, and even worship centres were destroyed, farmlands were submerged, and hundreds of residents were displaced. Authorities have begun urgent efforts to assess and provide relief to those affected.
Plateau State: A Community in Ruins
In the Menkaat community of Shimankar district, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, the rainfall, which began in the early hours of Sunday, unleashed destructive winds and torrential rain, causing severe damage. Councillor Mazawaje Daniel Danjuma confirmed that more than 50 homes were destroyed, and rice farms were completely flooded, ruining the livelihood of many farmers.
“The intensity of the rainfall also destroyed farms. People have lost a lot,” Danjuma said, highlighting the dire situation. Local residents echoed the sentiment, urging for urgent government intervention. Mr. Lawrence Longwalk, a resident, also noted that two primary schools and a worship centre were demolished. “From the level of damage, the people need urgent help,” he added.
Bauchi State: A Road Culvert’s Failure
In Bauchi State, the rainfall caused flooding in Dass Local Government Area, displacing over 40 households. The floodwaters ravaged farmlands, although fortunately, no lives were lost. Adamu Nayola, the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), pointed to a poorly constructed culvert by a road construction company as the primary cause of the flooding. “It failed to handle the heavy volume of water,” Nayola explained. However, SEMA has already begun its assessment and is coordinating relief efforts for affected residents.
Niger State: Flooding Leaves Communities Vulnerable
Niger State was not spared as the floods submerged farmlands in the Paikoro Local Government Area, particularly in Kafin Koro. The effects rippled across 18 communities in Lapai Local Government Area, where many farmlands were destroyed, and the risk of further damage remains high. Authorities have issued warnings urging riverine communities to relocate to higher grounds to avoid potential disaster.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media, and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, addressed the situation, acknowledging the strong emotional ties residents have to their lands but emphasizing the urgency of heeding the government’s relocation advice. “We cannot afford a repeat of the Mokwa experience,” Vatsa warned, referencing the catastrophic flooding earlier this year.
National Alert: Federal Government Issues Red Warning
In light of the ongoing and escalating crisis, the Federal Government has issued a red alert, warning of imminent flooding in 11 states, including Abia, Bauchi, Niger, and others. The National Flood Early Warning Centre, part of the Federal Ministry of Environment, has forecasted further flood risks, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has flagged 15 local government areas as particularly vulnerable.
The deadly floods from March to July 2025 have already claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands. The most tragic incident occurred in Mokwa, Niger State, on June 11, where more than 200 people died in the worst flooding the region has seen in years. The memory of this devastation lingers as authorities continue to respond to the growing flood crisis.
Call for Action and Proactive Measures
As the situation develops, government agencies across the affected states and at the federal level are working tirelessly to assess the damage, provide relief, and ensure the safety of displaced residents. The public is urged to stay informed and heed official warnings to avoid further loss of life.