Two communities in Nasarawa State, Loko in Nasarawa Local Government Area and Bassa in Kokona Local Government, have been devastated by floods, with houses and farmlands completely submerged.
Barrister Ben Akwash, Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), confirmed this in an interview with our reporter on Monday in Lafia.
Akwash noted that the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the floods have swept away entire farms, leaving nothing salvageable.
He expressed regret that the flooding in Bassa was unexpected, as it was not among the areas predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).
To mitigate further risks, NASEMA is intensifying sensitisation efforts in flood-prone communities, urging residents to relocate to higher ground.
“We are collaborating with community leaders, local chiefs, and youth groups to persuade residents, some of whom remain reluctant despite repeated warnings,” Akwash said.
He added that safe havens have been established in all vulnerable communities to accommodate those affected.
Akwash also revealed that Governor Abdullahi Sule has proactively secured adequate relief materials to support flood victims.
He urged residents in at-risk areas to heed federal government warnings and move to uplands as rainfall intensifies.
