• Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, Benue, 16 others at risk, says NiMet
• Hundreds displaced as flood wrecks Ondo council areas, destroys seven bridges
• FG dismisses Lagdo Dam release rumour, assures public of safety
Over 500 houses have been submerged and property worth millions of naira lost to floods in Kabba, Kogi State. Another flood occasioned by a three-day downpour in Ondo State displaced hundreds of residents.
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has listed Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, Benue and 16 others as states at risk of flooding this month Meanwhile, the Federal Government has described reports that water was released from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon as false and misleading.
Kogi locals disclosed yesterday that the rainfall was consistent for three days, making streams and brooks in the areas overflow their banks and flood the communities, with devastating effects, especially in the Idde-Iyah community in Kabba metropolis.
The Obaladugbo of Ekiri Quarter in Idde-Iyah, identified as Chief Obahunlewo, reportedly lost his home, including personal belongings.
“The water flood affected over 500 households, places of worship, and claimed more than 1,500 domestic animals
“Obahunlewo, a retired police officer, now undergoing medical treatment, was left in tears as his home and belongings were completely destroyed by the flood,” a local said.
NiMet’s flash flood risk alert for July 2025, released yesterday, shows the states with varying probable risks of experiencing flooding due to the onset of rainfall across the country.
According to the agency, Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba and Niger states are at risk and advised residents to relocate, if necessary, clear drainage systems, prepare emergency kits, turn off electricity and gas during flooding and strengthen mudslide prevention.
Other states listed are Lagos, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom. Also, seven bridges, according to sources, collapsed in the affected Ondo communities, cutting off residents from accessing farms, markets and their workplaces following the flood.
The torrential rain caused devastating floods in the Uso community of Owo Local Council of the state, as well as communities in Akoko South West, Ilaje, Ese Odo and Okitipupa local councils.
While appealing to the state government and relevant agencies to support them with relief materials and financial assistance to rebuild their lives and businesses, the affected residents disclosed the flood was more devastating due to the blocked drainage systems in the communities.
Residents of Ayeka, Ikoya, Igbodigo, Igodan and other communities were also affected by the flood. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, confirmed, yesterday, that the Cameroonian authorities did not open the Lagdo Dam.
According to him, a direct conversation on July 7, 2025, with the Dam Manager, Ahmad Bivoung, revealed that the water level remains low at 2.06 metres, and no release has occurred.
The minister said the federal Government was in constant communication with Cameroonian officials and would notify the public immediately of any planned release.
Utsev urged Nigerians to remain calm and disregard speculative reports, stressing the importance of adhering to flood preparedness advisories earlier issued by the authorities.
