Several communities in Nasarawa State have been hit hard by flooding, leaving homes and farmlands destroyed. Loko, a community on the banks of River Benue in Nasarawa Local Government Area, and Bassa in Kokona Local Government Area, are among the worst affected.

Ben Akwash, Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), confirmed the incident on Monday in Lafia. He said the floods swept through entire farmlands, leaving nothing to recover. Worryingly, the flooding in Bassa was not predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

While the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, Akwash stressed that urgent sensitisation campaigns are ongoing in all flood-prone communities. The aim is to encourage residents to move to higher ground before more flooding occurs.

“We’re working closely with community leaders, local chiefs, and youth groups to persuade those who are still reluctant to relocate. Safe havens have been prepared in all high-risk areas, but we need people to take the warnings seriously,” he explained.

He also revealed that Governor Abdullahi Sule has stocked adequate relief materials in preparation for possible emergencies. Residents living in flood-prone areas are urged to act now by moving to safer locations, especially as rainfall continues to intensify.

The message from authorities is clear — don’t wait for the flood to arrive before you move. Safety first.