Flood Jitters: Residents Defy Warnings as Lagos, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Kaduna, Others Struggle to Avert Disaster

Sele Media Africa www.selemedia.org Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter

Flood Jitters: Residents Defy Warnings as Lagos, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Kaduna, Others Struggle to Avert Disaster.

As Nigeria enters the peak of its rainy season, states such as Lagos, Edo, Delta, Anambra, and Kaduna are bracing for floods even as many residents resist evacuation orders and warnings. Federal and state agencies have issued alerts, but compliance remains low, increasing the risk of catastrophic impact. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned of potential flooding across dozens of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 29 states, including Lagos, Benue, Kaduna, Edo, Anambra, and Delta. Rising water levels from heavy rainfall, and concerns over excess water release from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, have compounded the threat. State governments are taking proactive steps: clearing drainage, setting up shelters, creating awareness campaigns, mapping vulnerable communities, and preparing temporary camp sites. Many residents cite loss of livelihood and attachment to their homes as reasons for not relocating despite warnings. Property fears, lack of alternative accommodation, and economic constraints are major hindrances. Some believe flood warnings are always issued without follow‑through, reducing trust in the alerts. Others fear their belongings will be looted if they abandon them.

State‑by‑State Snapshots

Lagos: Lowland areas like Lekki, Ikorodu, Ajegunle have been identified as high risk. Warnings to relocate to higher ground have been issued, but many remain. Delta: Farmers in Ndokwa East and Isoko South have already started harvesting early due to rising water levels. Anambra: Governor Chukwuma Soludo has activated shelters and early warning systems. Drainage clearance has been intensified. Flooding threatens to displace millions, destroy farmlands, damage infrastructure, and disrupt socio‑economic activities. Experts warn that without cooperation from residents, governmental flood prevention and mitigation efforts may fail, turning warnings into repeated tragedies.

Sources:

Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/flood-jitters-residents-defy-warning-as-lagos-edo-delta-anambra-kaduna-others-struggle-to-avert-disaster/?utm_

Nigerian News Today: www.nigerianeye.com/2025/08/lagos-benue-kaduna-fg-issues-flood.html?utm_

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Mafeng Gyang Adams

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Mafeng Gyang Adams is a dedicated journalist and editorial strategist, serving as the News Editor at Sele Media Africa. With a sharp eye for headlines that matter and a passion for truth-driven storytelling, Mafeng leads the newsroom with clarity and purpose. He ensures that every report meets the highest editorial standards, delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news to audiences across Africa and beyond.

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