Flood Sacks Some Riverine Communities in Niger

Laleye Dipo in Minna

No fewer than 15 communities in the riverine area of Agaie Local Government of Niger State have been sacked by flood.

However, some of the communities were said to have relocated to higher grounds of their own volition following the increase in the water level of River Niger.

The exact population of the communities is yet to be known but unconfirmed reports say they are in several thousands.

THISDAY learnt that majority of those sacked by the flood have moved to communities in neighbouring Kwara State and to the upland in Mokwa town with some of them staying at the Basic Health Clinic in the towns.

When contacted, the Overseeing Director General of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Mr. Salihu Garba, confirmed the story.

Garba said that the organisation is already addressing the problem caused by the relocation of the villagers.

He noted that the rains would soon reach its peak in the state and appealed to those still in the river banks to move to the upland for their safety.

Meanwhile, the NSEMA has confirmed that bandits have invaded some villages in the riverine areas of the state.

A statement from the organisation said that not less than 400 cattle belonging to Fulanis in the affected areas have been rustled.

In addition, the statement said that 200 villagers have already become refugees in a primary school in Wushishi.

The bandits, according to the statement, were said to be over 600 and rode on motorcycles with each of them carrying AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons.