BREAKING NEWS: The Federal Government has banned the mining of sand within a 10 kilometer radius of River Niger.

This is aimed at protecting the first and second Niger bridges.

Passenger Boat Capsizes on Way to Abonnema in Rivers State, Panic Ensues as Commuters Rescued by Nearby Operators; No Casualties Reported

A passenger boat traveling to Abonnema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State capsized, causing panic among passengers mid-journey. Eyewitnesses confirmed that all occupants were safely rescued by nearby boat operators, preventing a potential disaster. The swift intervention of fellow river transport workers ensured that no lives were lost. This incident recalls a tragic boat mishap in October on the River Niger in Kogi State, which left many feared dead and several missing. Authorities continue to emphasize safety on waterways, as such accidents highlight the vulnerability of commuters to sudden riverine emergencies.

#RiversState #BoatCapsize #Abonnema #RiverSafety #WaterTransport #EmergencyRescue

NEMA advises Edo flood-prone residents to relocate upland as River Niger rises.

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Edo State office has issued a riot act to residents living at the bank of the River Niger in the state to relocate to higher grounds.

The Head of Benin Operation Office, Kenoma Ojuederie gave the charge during the customers week celebration in Benin City.

Ojuederie said the charge became necessary following the rising level of water on the River Niger and to also avoid loss of lives.

According to him, before now, we have done sensitisation and awareness campaigns to communities in flood-prone areas to get prepared and move to higher ground.

“From now on, we are expecting the flood because water has been released from some dams, and floods are going to come due to the release of water from dams.

“So, as part of measures to avoid casualties, I advised the residents to move to higher ground while those in the area where there are IDP camps should move there and the state government would cater for those in the camp,” he said.

He added that the customers’ week was to appreciate people in emergency management who are victims of disasters and stakeholders.

Earlier, the Edo State Executive Secretary, State Management Agency, SEMA, Jerry Idahosa, explained that the water is already rising, but there is no cause for alarm yet.

News Brief: NOA Urges Kebbi Residents To Relocate Amid Dam Water Release, Flood Risk

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kebbi State has warned communities along River Goronyo and River Niger to relocate immediately, citing imminent flooding risks following the planned release of water from nearby dams.

Assistant Director of Media, Larai Saminu Nazo, said the release is a safety measure to preserve dam structures but will significantly raise river levels, threatening low-lying communities.

She stressed that the directive must be taken seriously, urging residents to cooperate with local authorities and follow evacuation plans. The agency said it is working with emergency and river basin authorities to ensure affected communities receive support.

“Timely relocation now can avert disaster,” Nazo added.

#FloodAlert #KebbiState #NOA #DisasterPreparedness

Flood Death Toll in Niger State Surpasses 100 After Devastating Rains

The death toll from flash floods in Mokwa, Niger State has climbed above 100, with officials warning the number could rise as search efforts continue. Torrential rains late Wednesday submerged and destroyed dozens of homes, sweeping many residents into the River Niger.

According to Ibrahim Audu Husseini from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, 115 bodies have been recovered so far. Many victims remain missing, including members of families separated by the flooding. Some bodies were pulled from collapsed buildings, and emergency teams say heavy equipment is needed to reach more trapped under rubble.

Earlier estimates placed the death toll at 88, but as recovery operations progress, that number has grown. Survivors described harrowing losses, with one man saying 15 people were lost from a single home.

Displaced residents, including children, were seen wading through floodwaters, raising fears of waterborne disease. Others, like fisherman Danjuma Shaba, have been left homeless and are sleeping outdoors.

Nigeria’s rainy season has just begun, and experts warn that worsening infrastructure, poor urban planning, and climate change are increasing the risk and severity of such disasters. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had already issued warnings for flash floods in multiple states, including Niger.

In 2024, over 1,200 people died and more than a million were displaced in what was one of Nigeria’s worst flood disasters in decades.