Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has warned illegal miners, property developers and other residents against erecting structures or carrying out activities along waterways, saying such practices contribute significantly to flooding and environmental degradation.
Garba issued the warning on Monday, August 10, 2026, during an on-the-spot assessment of flood-affected areas in Kwarin Berger and Anguwan Baushe communities in Minna metropolis.
The Deputy Governor also cautioned ward heads against the indiscriminate sale of plots of land, stressing that such practices violate the Land Use Act and other relevant laws governing land administration in the state.
At Anguwan Baushe, where more than 30 houses and farmlands were reportedly affected by flooding, Garba directed the ward head to immediately stop selling plots of land for residential, religious or other purposes without proper government authorisation.
He warned that anyone found engaging in illegal land transactions, unauthorised developments or mining activities along waterways would face the full weight of the law.
Garba said the Niger State Government, under the leadership of Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago, would continue to take measures to prevent a recurrence of the flooding while providing necessary relief and support to affected residents.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting lives, property and the environment, and urged residents to cooperate with government efforts to tackle the causes of flooding and environmental degradation.
The statement was signed by Ummikhaltume Abdullahi Kuta, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Niger State.
