Niger, Benue Rivers At Peak Levels

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a fresh warning that water levels in Rivers Niger and Benue have reached their peak, posing significant risks of flooding to surrounding communities.

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, on Thursday, the agency disclosed that tributaries of the two rivers, including Rima, Kaduna, and Gongola, are also at critical levels, while several major dams across the country are spilling excess water as the rainy season intensifies.
According to NiHSA, Kainji and Jebba dams, both on the River Niger, are currently spilling excess water, raising the risk of flooding in parts of Niger, Kwara, and Kogi states. Communities under threat include Kainji town, Patigi, New Bussa, Borgu, Mokwa, Jebba, Gungu, Gana, Fanga, Bele, Bere, Gaba, and Baro.
It also said that the Goronyo Dam in Sokoto State has reached its maximum capacity of 288 meters and is spilling at full rate, causing flooding in Goronyo, Wamako, Shinaka Yerimawa, Kurukuru, and surrounding areas. The statement added that in Adamawa State, Kiri Dam on River Gongola is also spilling, leading to floods in Kiri, Tallum, Banjiram, Purokayo-Lakumna, and Shelleng.

The agency noted that while Zungeru Dam is not spilling, its reservoir level remains high. Meanwhile, Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam on the River Benue is not spilling but has reached a water level of about 37 meters, just three meters short of its design height. NiHSA attributed the flooding in Adamawa communities such as Yola North, Yola South, Girei, and Numan to heavy rainfall and internally generated runoff within the Benue catchment.

NiHSA warned that significant flooding is likely in vulnerable areas as flood waves propagate downstream. The agency urged residents along the Niger and Benue riverbanks to take proactive steps to safeguard lives and property.