Two People Die as Flood Hits 18 Communities in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Government has confirmed that two people have died and many others have been displaced due to serious flooding in the Doma Local Government Area.

Dr Nawani Aboki, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, shared this news with journalists in Lafia, the capital of the state, on Monday.

Aboki called the situation a major humanitarian disaster. He said many buildings and farmlands were destroyed by the flood.

He mentioned that the flooding hit the Eke Development Area of Doma LGA, affecting over 18 communities and displacing hundreds of residents.

"Recently, there was an issue of flooding in Eke Development Area of Doma Local Government, where over 18 communities were affected.
It was not just normal flooding, but massive flooding that took place. A lot of people were displaced, and several buildings were destroyed, including farmlands," he said.

The commissioner stated that Governor Abdullahi Sule directed the Director-General of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency to visit the affected areas and assess the damage.

He added that the agency is putting together a report to help the government respond properly.

Aboki also mentioned that he visited the affected areas with the Chairman of Doma LGA to express sympathy to the victims and comfort the families of those who died.

Regarding the displaced residents, he said many have sought refuge in higher ground communities like Agyema, Agbachi, and Rukubi, all in Doma LGA.

He pointed out that the arrival of displaced persons is putting extra pressure on the host communities. He assured that the government is committed to helping them return home once the floodwaters go down and it is safe.

But Aboki warned the displaced residents not to go back too soon. He said there is uncertainty about possible water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

He mentioned that the government has started making plans to provide relief materials and other essential supplies to the affected communities to help prevent disease outbreaks.

The commissioner also advised residents living in flood-prone lowland areas to move to higher ground. This is in line with warnings from the National Emergency Management Agency and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.