Devastating Adamawa Floods: Death Toll Climbs to 23 as Governor Fintiri Visits Affected Communities

The death toll from the devastating flash floods that swept through parts of Adamawa State on Sunday has tragically risen to 23, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri confirmed on Monday, July 28, 2025. The governor, who promptly returned to the state from an official engagement, visited the ravaged communities and displacement camps to assess the damage and commiserate with victims.

The torrential rainfall, which commenced around 1:00 AM on Sunday and persisted for over six hours, caused widespread destruction, particularly in Yola South Local Government Area. Communities like Shagari, Sabon Pegi, Yolde Pate, and Ibunu Abbas (Yola bypass) were severely affected, with reports indicating over 600 houses were washed away and many residents still missing.

Governor Fintiri, who arrived at Yola International Airport on Monday afternoon, immediately proceeded to the disaster zones. At the temporary displacement camp at Yelewa Primary School, he met with distraught families, expressing his profound grief over the loss of lives and property.

“This is a deeply tragic incident, and our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones and their homes,” Governor Fintiri stated. He reassured the displaced persons of the government’s unwavering commitment to providing immediate relief materials to alleviate their suffering.

To facilitate a comprehensive response, Governor Fintiri announced the immediate constitution of a technical committee. This committee, in collaboration with the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), will conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to inform further necessary actions.

Prior to the governor’s visit, the Deputy Governor, Kaleptapwa Farauta, had already mobilized the provision of food and non-food items to temporary shelters, alongside free medical services for the injured. Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Police Command, in conjunction with the 23 Brigade Yola, has deployed marine police officers and engine boats to assist in ongoing search and rescue operations for the missing.

This latest disaster comes despite earlier warnings. Adamawa State had been identified by meteorological agencies as one of the states highly susceptible to flooding in 2025, prompting NEMA and the state government to conduct flood risk sensitization exercises in May.

President Bola Tinubu has also conveyed his deep sorrow over the incident, directing relevant federal agencies, including the National Emergency Response Centre and NEMA, to collaborate with the Adamawa State government on a comprehensive rescue and relief operation. The tragic event underscores the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience and disaster preparedness across the nation