Flooding kills two and affects over 18 Nasarawa communities

Flooding in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State has killed two people and affected more than 18 communities, Commissioner for Information Nawani Aboki said, as authorities assess damage and prepare assistance for displaced residents. Aboki gave the figures while briefing journalists in Lafia on Monday. He said the flooding had destroyed homes and farmland and displaced residents in the Eke Development Area. The affected communities are along the River Benue, and Agyema was among the places reported to have suffered severe impacts. The community count rose from 11 initially reported by the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) after subsequent assessments identified seven additional communities. NASEMA’s earlier estimate put the number of people displaced across those 11 communities at between 4,000 and 5,000. Aboki did not provide a revised total for all the affected communities. Displaced residents have taken refuge in nearby communities on higher ground, including Agyema, Agbachi and Rukubi, Aboki said. Their arrival has put pressure on host communities. The destruction of farmland and homes has also damaged property and livelihoods, while the flooding...