Niger State Government has warned residents living along the River Niger and River Kaduna to relocate to safer areas following the release of water from major hydro dams in the state.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency issued the warning on Thursday, 2nd October 2025, in a statement signed by its Director-General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah. He explained that the development was due to the ongoing discharge of water from the Kainji, Shiroro, Zungeru, and Jebba hydroelectric dams.
According to him, the dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, which could trigger overflow and widespread flooding in neighbouring communities.
The state government hereby advises the communities to limit activities around river banks during this peak rainy season to avoid being flooded. People living in riverine areas should relocate to safer grounds.
Baba-Arah further urged residents to avoid standing under trees during rainfall and to stay away from substandard structures, citing fresh warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The NSEMA boss explained that the state is already experiencing the negative impact of flooding, with houses, farmlands, bridges, and roads washed away in some local government areas located upstream and downstream of the four dams.
The LGAs affected include Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Gbako, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Mashegu, Agwara, Bida, Edati, Munya, Bosso, Chanchaga, Paikoro, and Wushishi leading to loss of lives.
