Pix: Commandant Ishaku Musa

The Plateau State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ishaku Musa, has urged residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures against imminent flooding, describing the situation as “serious and potentially dangerous.”

Musa issued the warning during a chat with the People’s Security Monitor at the NSCDC State Command Headquarters in Jos on Friday, following fresh alerts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) indicating the likelihood of heavy rains and flash floods in the North Central region.

He advised residents in flood-prone communities, especially those along riverbanks, low-lying settlements, and erosion-prone areas, to move to safer ground and avoid activities that could expose them to danger. “This is not the time to take chances. We have lost too many lives and properties in past floods because warnings were ignored. Please be prepared, be precautious, and prioritise your safety and that of your families,” he said.

The Commandant disclosed that the NSCDC had already deployed disaster management units to strategic locations across the state in collaboration with other relevant agencies in the State.

Musa also reminded residents that the Corps’ mandate includes the protection of lives, property, and critical national assets. He urged community leaders, religious organisations, and civil society groups to join the awareness campaign, noting that timely information sharing could help avert a tragedy and loss of lives.

He warned against wading through floodwaters, driving across submerged roads, or dumping refuse in drainage channels, stressing that such practices increase flood risks and complicate rescue efforts. “Floods do not give second chances. If you hear a warning, act immediately,” Musa emphasised.

The NSCDC boss assured that the Command would remain on high alert throughout the rainy season, working closely with other agencies to monitor water levels and provide swift intervention where needed.

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