The Nasarawa State Government has confirmed the displacement of residents in more than 18 communities following severe flooding in the Eke Development Area of Doma Local Government Area, with several buildings and farmlands destroyed.
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Nawani Aboki, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Monday in Lafia, the state capital, describing the incident as a major humanitarian crisis that had left hundreds of residents homeless.
“Recently, there was an issue of flooding in the Eke Development Area of Doma Local Government, where over 18 communities were affected,” Aboki said.
“It was not just normal flooding, but massive flooding that took place. A lot of people were displaced, and several buildings were destroyed, including farmlands,” he added.
The commissioner said Governor Abdullahi Sule had directed the Director-General of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency to visit the affected communities and assess the extent of the damage.
According to him, the agency was compiling a report to guide the state government’s response and determine the needs of residents affected by the disaster.
Aboki disclosed that he had also visited the affected areas alongside the chairman of Doma Local Government Area to sympathise with residents and assess the situation.
He said displaced residents had sought refuge in communities situated on higher ground, including Agyema, Agbachi and Rukubi, all within Doma LGA.
The commissioner noted that the influx of displaced persons had placed additional pressure on host communities, raising concerns about the availability of basic necessities and the welfare of those forced to leave their homes.
He, however, assured residents that the government was committed to supporting the affected population and facilitating their return when the floodwaters receded and conditions became safe.
Aboki urged displaced residents not to return to their homes yet, citing uncertainty over the possible release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
The dam has featured in regional flood-risk concerns because water releases can contribute to rising river levels downstream. However, the commissioner did not provide details of any confirmed release linked to the flooding in Doma.
He said the state government had begun arrangements to provide relief materials and other forms of assistance to affected residents, with efforts also directed at preventing disease outbreaks in the displaced communities.
Flooding often increases the risk of waterborne diseases when homes, sanitation facilities and sources of drinking water are contaminated. The displacement of residents can further complicate access to healthcare, clean water and other essential services.
The commissioner also urged people living in low-lying areas to move to higher ground in line with advisories issued by the National Emergency Management Agency and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
The appeal came amid concerns that further flooding could expose more residents to danger if they remained in vulnerable locations or returned to affected settlements before conditions improved.
The government’s assessment is expected to help establish the scale of destruction to homes, farmland and other property, as well as the immediate needs of displaced families. The information would also guide decisions on relief distribution and possible measures to support recovery.
West Trybe reports that the flooding in more than 18 Nasarawa communities highlights the humanitarian and livelihood risks facing residents in flood-prone areas, particularly farmers whose land and homes have been affected. The immediate priority remains protecting displaced families, providing essential relief and ensuring residents return only when authorities determine that conditions are safe.
