Lagos, Nigeria – 31 July 2025 – Former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged governments at all levels to prioritise disaster management and invest in proactive measures after flash floods ravaged parts of Yola in Adamawa State, claiming at least 25 lives and displacing thousands. The tragedy, which struck on 27 July following heavy rainfall and a suspected dam water release, has highlighted Nigeria’s vulnerability to environmental crises amid increasing climate challenges.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) earlier today, Obi expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families, describing the floods as “another painful reminder of the urgent need for serious investment in disaster preparedness, environmental protection, and urban infrastructure across Nigeria.” He commended the swift response from the Adamawa State Government, the local police command, and other agencies involved in rescue operations but emphasised that such events should not be treated as mere “passing headlines.”
The floods primarily affected communities in Yola South Local Government Area, including Shagari, Yolde Pate, and Sabon Pegi, where torrential rains led to homes being swept away and livelihoods destroyed. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), at least 25 people have perished, with 11 others still missing and dozens injured. Over 5,560 individuals have been displaced, and more than 550 households impacted, prompting the establishment of temporary camps in local schools. Eyewitness accounts and social media posts describe scenes of chaos, with residents fleeing rising waters and some communities mourning the loss of children and the elderly.
Relief efforts are underway, with the Nigerian Red Cross Society coordinating aid distribution, including food, mosquito nets, and dignity kits for vulnerable women and girls in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has ordered an investigation into the incident, visiting the site of a suspected substandard dam in Bole that may have contributed to the flooding. Additionally, Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, representing Adamawa Central, donated N10 million along with essential supplies such as rice, maize, mats, and blankets to support affected families. The North East Development Commission (NEDC) and other humanitarian groups have also stepped in, providing relief to over 700 families.
President Bola Tinubu extended condolences to the victims, sympathising with those affected by the Yola floods and a separate boat mishap in Niger State. However, Obi stressed the need for a shift from reactive to proactive strategies, calling for investments in effective drainage infrastructure to safeguard lives and livelihoods. “Disasters must no longer be reduced to passing headlines,” he wrote. “It is time for our government, at all levels, to embrace a proactive approach.”
This incident comes amid Nigeria’s 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, which had predicted high flood risks for Adamawa and other northern states due to seasonal heavy rains. Experts and residents have raised concerns about inadequate preparations, with some attributing the severity to poor urban planning and climate change impacts. Early warnings advised communities near floodplains to remain vigilant, noting that the peak rainy months of August, September, and October could exacerbate risks.
Obi concluded his message by standing in solidarity with the affected communities and urging NEMA and relevant authorities to deliver swift relief and long-term support. “May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may healing come swiftly to the injured and displaced,” he added.
