Kebbi Declares Emergency as Flood Warnings Hit Over 1,200 Locations in Nigeria

With over 1,200 flood-prone areas flagged nationwide, the Kebbi State Government has declared an emergency response and urged residents in lowland and waterway areas to evacuate immediately to avoid disaster.

The warning follows a federal alert predicting heavy rainfall and possible widespread flooding across Nigeria in the coming weeks.

Speaking on the state’s readiness, Bello Rilisco, head of the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed that urgent notices had been sent out to vulnerable communities.

“We’ve received federal alerts and activated our defence mechanism to protect lives and property. Households in lowlands and those obstructing drainage flow have been warned,” Rilisco said.

Despite these efforts, many families remain trapped by economic hardship. In Birnin Kebbi, a resident, Hajia Mariya Saidu, said, “Poverty forced us to live here. We know the risk but can’t afford safer places.”

Kebbi is one of several Nigerian states preparing for possible flood-related displacement and property loss. The situation underscores the broader challenge of climate resilience in communities already battling economic strain.