By Staff Reporter
Published: July 28, 2025
YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE — Devastating floods swept through parts of Adamawa State on Sunday, killing five people, injuring at least 55 others, and submerging entire communities under rising waters. The downpour, which lasted for hours, left hundreds homeless, farmlands destroyed, and panic in its wake.
The worst-hit areas include Tashan Sani, Shagari Phase II, Sabon Pegi, Anguwan Tabo, Modire, Ummare, Yolde-Pate, Sanda Fadama II, Ibnu Abbas, and Yola Bye Pass. Many residents, caught unaware, were forced to flee their homes in the dead of night as floodwaters rose with terrifying speed.
“Many lives were lost—mostly children. We are still searching,” said Furera Adamu, a displaced resident from Sabon Pegi. In communities like Shagari Low Cost, entire neighborhoods were flattened by the surge, with people taking refuge in nearby bushlands after losing all their belongings.
The flooding also caused widespread power outages and posed new threats of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid, as stagnant water and broken sanitation systems compounded the crisis.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed five fatalities and 55 injuries. Mr. Ladan Ayuba, Head of Operations in Yola, said all injured victims are receiving treatment at the Modibbo Adama Teaching Hospital.
Emergency teams from NEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Red Cross, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are actively conducting rescue and relief operations. Hundreds of displaced residents have found temporary shelter in camps and primary schools.
13 Dead, Scores Missing in Niger State Boat Disaster
Meanwhile, in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, tragedy struck on Saturday when a passenger boat capsized, killing at least 13 people and leaving several others unaccounted for.
The ill-fated boat, laden with goods and traders en route to Zumba for a weekly market, overturned near Kwata village at approximately 11:45 a.m.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the recovery of 13 bodies — including eight women, three men, and two children. Abdullahi Arah, NSEMA’s Director General, said 26 people were rescued, with the boat’s manifest indicating 39 passengers.
“We are still searching. Thirteen corpses have been buried, but more passengers remain missing,” Arah said.
Survivors described a chaotic scene as villagers, divers, and local volunteers scrambled to save lives. One survivor was treated and discharged at the General Hospital in Kuta.
Though the cause of the accident is yet to be officially confirmed, eyewitnesses pointed to overloading and poor enforcement of safety protocols as likely factors. Similar warnings have been issued in the past following other riverine accidents in the state.
Despite previous safety campaigns and the distribution of life jackets by the Niger State Government, the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), and the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), many passengers still travel without basic safety gear.
As recovery efforts continue in both states, authorities have called for improved disaster preparedness, stronger enforcement of safety regulations, and urgent support for displaced families.
