Tension as flood sweeps away seven in Niger

Seven people have been reported missing following severe flooding in Niger State, affecting Sabon Pegi in Mashegu Local Government and Nasarawa in Magama Local Government.

The flood, caused by torrential rainfall that began at 2 a.m. and lasted until 12 p.m. on Friday, led to significant destruction, including the loss of over 89 houses and three vehicles, as well as the devastation of hundreds of hectares of farmland.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arab, confirmed the incident and stated that search and rescue operations are currently underway to locate the missing individuals.

“NSEMA has received reports of flood disasters in Mashegu and Magama LGAs. The flood was caused by torrential rainfall that lasted through the early hours of Friday, August 30.

“As of the time of filing this report, seven people have been declared missing, over 89 houses were affected, hundreds of hectares of farmlands, and three vehicles were washed away,” the statement read.

He stated that communities most affected include the environs of Sabon Pegi in Mashegu and Nasarawa in Magama.

The search and rescue operations are being carried out by NSEMA staff, volunteers, and local riverine communities.

News360 Nigeria reports that this incident adds to the growing list of severe flooding events in Nigeria, driven by heavy rains and river overflows. Such disasters have displaced thousands, destroyed homes and infrastructure, and created urgent humanitarian needs for shelter, food, and medical aid.