Niger State Warns of Flood Risks from Kangimi Dam Cracks

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has raised concerns regarding structural distress and visible cracks at the Kangimi Dam located in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Abdullahi Baba Arah, the Director General of NSEMA, issued a statement on Tuesday, warning of potential flood risks to communities downstream in Kaduna, Niger State, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and surrounding areas.

With the onset of August rains, Arah emphasized the necessity for an immediate technical assessment of the dam and coordinated preventive measures to evaluate the extent of the structural issues and the associated dangers. He noted that a significant failure of the dam could lead to a sudden release of water, resulting in a flood emergency that could devastate lives, homes, and infrastructure.

Arah called for urgent action from the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, relevant dam authorities, and other stakeholders to assess risks and implement emergency measures. He also urged the establishment of an effective early-warning system and emergency evacuation plans for vulnerable communities.