Severe rainfall accompanied by windstorms has caused widespread destruction across parts of Niger and Plateau states, leaving dozens of communities grappling with the aftermath of flooding and structural damage.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, reportedly affected homes, farmlands, schools, and places of worship, with local authorities yet to fully assess the extent of the damage.
In Niger State, floodwaters submerged farmlands across several communities in Kafin Koro, Paikoro Local Government Area (LGA), as well as at least 18 villages in Lapai LGA. Among the hardest-hit communities are Dere, Eshi, Apataku, Tsakanabi, Kuchi Kakanda, Arah, Achiba, Rebba, Ebwa, Pele, Edda, Rigido, Gbami, Yawa, Baka, and Muye.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Plateau State, the Shimankar district in Shendam LGA was battered by a rainstorm that destroyed more than 50 houses, along with two primary schools and a worship centre in the Menkaat community.
The Acting Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ibrahim Hussaini told newsmen that he had not yet received a formal report on the incident but said an assessment team would be dispatched promptly.
Recall that The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier issued seasonal flood warnings, listing both Niger and Plateau among high-risk states due to their topography and proximity to major water bodies such as the Niger and Kaduna Rivers.
