Nasarawa Moves To Resettle Flood-prone Communities

Nasarawa State government has taken steps to end the incessant ravages of floods on communities across the state.

To this end, it has activated processes to acquire parcels of land for resettling communities at the downstreams of major rivers, as well as in areas prone to yearly flooding.

This was disclosed by the director-general of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), Mr Benjamin Akwash, during a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital.

He said a parcel of land had been acquired in the Umaisha community, Toto local government area, one of the state’s major flood flashpoints, while efforts were on to obtain more for the purpose.

According to him, residents have resisted the State Government’s efforts to put in place the necessary mechanisms to move them out of danger zones, out of fear of losing their ancestral land and livelihoods.

He, however, explained that protecting the lives and property of citizens is the government’s responsibility, adding that residents can return to their respective places of livelihood when the water recedes.

He advised citizens, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, to always heed early warnings to protect themselves and their property from avoidable destruction.

The director general said the agency has distributed relief materials worth over N100 million to more than 3000 people affected by windstorms, floods, communal clashes and fire outbreaks between April 2025 and April 2026.

He commended the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, security agencies, the media, and community volunteers for supporting the agency in carrying out its responsibilities to protect the lives and property of citizens.