Fresh flooding triggered by heavy rains has submerged vast farmlands across Paikoro and Lapai LGAs in Niger State, fueling fears of a looming food crisis. Officials describe the flooding, which hit on Sunday, as one of the most destructive this year.
In Lapai, no fewer than 18 communities, including Dere, Eshi, Apataku, and Muye, were severely affected. Kafin Koro in Paikoro LGA also reported widespread farmland submergence, though the full damage is yet to be assessed.
Although no casualties were confirmed, the floods devastated agricultural livelihoods, washing away crops crucial to the state’s food supply. The Niger State Government has since issued an evacuation advisory to residents in flood-prone areas.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Jonathan Vatsa, appealed to communities to relocate to higher ground, stressing the urgency of the situation.
Authorities are planning a state-wide sensitization campaign and have urged religious and traditional leaders to support the effort.
The flooding comes after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency warned that 15 out of 25 LGAs in Niger are at high risk this rainy season, signaling a need for urgent intervention.
