At least two people have died after severe flooding submerged more than 18 communities in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, leaving residents displaced and destroying homes and farmlands.
The disaster has prompted the state government to urge people living in flood-prone areas to move to safer locations and avoid returning to their homes until the water has sufficiently receded.
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Nawani Aboki, disclosed the casualties while briefing journalists in Lafia, describing the incident as a massive flooding disaster that had disrupted normal life across the affected communities.
According to the commissioner, the flooding has displaced several residents, damaged buildings and destroyed farmlands, raising concerns about the livelihoods of families who depend on agriculture for their survival.
Governor Abdullahi Sule has directed the Director-General of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) to visit the affected areas, assess the scale of destruction and identify the immediate needs of displaced residents.
The assessment is expected to guide the government’s response, including the provision of relief materials and other assistance to affected communities.
Government Warns Residents Against Returning Home
Aboki cautioned residents against returning to their homes prematurely, warning that additional water flowing from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam could worsen the situation.
He urged affected families to remain on higher ground until authorities are confident that the floodwaters are receding and conditions are safe.
The commissioner expressed hope that the water would eventually withdraw towards the River Benue, allowing residents to return and resume their daily activities.
However, he warned that further flooding could increase the destruction if water levels rise again.
Displaced Communities Face Growing Challenges
The disaster has also placed pressure on larger settlements accommodating residents from surrounding villages.
Aboki cited Agyma, where more than eight smaller communities were reportedly clustered around a larger settlement, as well as Rukubi and Akpanaja, where displaced residents have sought refuge.
The concentration of affected families in these locations has increased the need for emergency assistance, particularly food, shelter and other essential supplies.
The state government has also expressed concern about possible disease outbreaks following the flooding and said support would be provided to reduce health risks among displaced residents.
Relief Efforts Expected as Damage Assessment Continues
NASEMA’s assessment is expected to help authorities determine the extent of the destruction and the assistance required to support recovery.
The flooding has highlighted the vulnerability of communities located near waterways, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and rising river levels.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to take evacuation warnings seriously and prioritize their safety as the state government works to respond to the emergency.
With two lives already lost and more than 18 communities affected, residents are awaiting further intervention as concerns remain over the possibility of additional flooding.
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