NSEMA raises alarm over Kangimi Dam cracks, demands urgent action

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, has raised the alarm over reported structural cracks at Kangimi Dam in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, warning of possible flooding of downstream communities in Kaduna, Niger State, the FCT and adjoining areas if the situation deteriorates.

NSEMA Director-General, Comrd. Abdullahi Baba Arah, in an urgent public warning on Tuesday, called for immediate technical assessment of the dam and preventive measures, particularly as the rainy season intensifies.

The DG said a major structural failure could trigger the sudden release of a large volume of water, threatening communities, roads, bridges, farmlands and other critical infrastructure downstream.

NSEMA urged the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, dam authorities, NEMA, the Nigeria Hydrological Agency, NiMet and security agencies to immediately establish the severity of the reported cracks and determine the level of risk.

Arah also demanded an urgent downstream flood-risk assessment, identification of vulnerable communities and infrastructure, and the activation of an effective early-warning system.

The agency called for clearly defined evacuation routes, safe locations and emergency assembly points, as well as stronger coordination among Kaduna, Niger and the FCT in case the situation worsens.

NSEMA urged residents in potentially affected areas to remain calm but vigilant, avoid unnecessary activities around waterways during heavy rainfall and monitor only verified information from authorised agencies.

Residents were also advised to identify safe locations, keep essential documents and medicines accessible, and immediately report unusual water movement or sudden flooding to emergency authorities.

The agency warned that waiting for a dam failure before responding could result in avoidable deaths, displacement, destruction of infrastructure and economic losses.

NSEMA said the reported cracks must therefore be treated as an urgent safety concern requiring immediate technical verification and preventive intervention, rather than waiting for a disaster to occur.