Mitigate Perennial Flooding By Desilting River Yobe, Bade Emir Urges FG

The Emir of Bade and Deputy Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman II, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the desilting of River Yobe as a sustainable solution to the perennial flooding affecting communities across Yobe State.

The emir made the appeal when he received an advocacy delegation from the Yobe State Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture at his palace in Gashua as part of the state government’s public sensitisation campaign on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and community preparedness against climate-related hazards.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hajiya Salamatu Yahaya Nangere, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Hon. Abdullahi Bego, led the delegation to engage traditional institutions on disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

Speaking during the visit, the Emir observed that the recurring flooding experienced in Bade Emirate and other parts of the state highlights the urgent need for lasting environmental interventions.
He said desilting River Yobe would improve the free flow of water, reduce flooding and protect adjoining communities, farmlands and critical public infrastructure.

“We are at the riverine area from Kumadugu Gana to Kumadugu Yobe (river Yobe) up to Diffa in Niger Republic. We are seeking the Federal and the state government assistance to dredge the riverway otherwise the flooding will continue,” the emir stated.

The royal father also advocated stricter enforcement of environmental laws against indiscriminate tree felling, warning that unchecked deforestation continues to accelerate desertification and worsen the effects of climate change.

According to him, the Bade Emirate has already adopted measures to protect the environment by sanctioning anyone who cuts down a tree without the approval of the Emirate or fails to replace it through tree planting.

The Commissioner, represented by Hajiya Salamatu Yahaya Nangere, said the advocacy campaign was initiated by Governor Mai Mala Buni, to deepen public awareness of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and encourage communities to take proactive measures against flooding, cholera, malaria and other climate-related health challenges.

He disclosed that forecasts indicate flooding in 12 Local Government Areas of the state, with Geidam, Gulani and Yunusari expected to be among the worst affected during the rainy season.