10 Drown in Separate River Floods in Gombe and Borno States

BY: ADAMU ALIYU NGULDE, MAIDUGURI

Nigeria — At least 10 people have drowned in separate incidents in Gombe and Borno states, northeast Nigeria, after heavy rains swelled rivers beyond their banks, officials and residents said Friday.

In Gombe State, six young men were swept away in Dadin Kowa while attempting to cross or swim in the swollen river. Community members and emergency workers later recovered the bodies.

“They underestimated the force of the water,” said a community leader in Dadin Kowa. “The current was too strong. Before we knew it, they were gone.”

In neighboring Borno State, four people drowned in Kwaya Kusar when floodwaters from a nearby river surged into low-lying areas, residents said. Local authorities confirmed the deaths and warned of further risks as rains continue.

Northeastern Nigeria has seen heavier-than-usual rainfall this season, raising concerns about flooding, river overflows and displacement across several communities.

“This is a tragic reminder of the dangers during the rainy season,” said a spokesperson for the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency. “We are calling on residents to avoid crossing rivers and to take early warnings seriously.”