Deadly floods hit Nigeria, destroy rice fields across 30 communities in Niger and Kwara states

At least 13 people have died due to floods affecting over 30 communities in the Niger and Kwara states of Nigeria. Three of the fatalities were reported on Monday, April 21, when a canoe capsized while crossing a flooded river.

The flooding has been attributed to the routine release of water from the Jebba Dam on April 16, ahead of the arrival of rainy season to the region. Affected areas in Niger included Mokwa, Edati, Lavun, Katcha, and Agaie, while Edu and Patigi were impacted in Kwara. Ceganman, Sunti, Jaagi, Ketso, and Lafiagi were among the affected villages.

Over 5 000 dry-season farmers lost their rice fields, with estimated economic losses in the billions of naira. Farmers from Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kano, were also impacted.

More than 10 000 ha (24 700 acres) of paddy farms were affected in the Mokwa Local Government Area alone, one of the worst hit region due to the flooding in Niger State. Crops that were ready to harvest have been completely washed away, with some farmers stating that they had already begun harvesting when the floods hit.

Reports indicate that the disaster has displaced over 6 400 people, destroyed 45 schools, 44 health centers, and led to the collapse of the Eppa bridge, cutting off communities from urgent help.

Abdulrahman Abdulkadir Wuya-Kede, President of the Kede Youth Development Association, said his 3 ha (7.5 acres) rice farm was among those affected.

“All the farms were ready for harvest. Some had even started harvesting when the flood struck. We don’t understand why the water was released without proper communication with the communities,” said Kede.

This was the sixth flood incident caused by the water released from the Jebba Dam during the 2025 dry season alone, said Abubakar Ndako Kutigi, a spokesperson from Ceganman village. A similar event occurred in May 2023.

Dry season farming is the sole source of income for most of the communities in the affected regions. Many farmers migrate to Niger State during for dry season farming, which generates a huge chunk of the state’s revenue.

Kutigi fears that repeated flood incidents like this could drive farmer away from the region, as they might not find Niger State suitable for agriculture anymore.

Local authorities are currently coordinating with the affected communities for relief operations across the affected regions. The full extent of damage caused by the floods is yet to be assessed as the situation continues to unfold across Niger and Kwara states.

References:

¹ Flood kills 10 as 5,000 farmers lose rice fields in Niger – The Guardian – April 20, 2025

² Flood kills 3, destroys over 10,000 hectares of rice farms in Niger – Daily Trust – April 21, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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