Opened flood gates at dams in northern Nigeria displace 2 million people

Opened flood gates in Nigeria displace 2 million

DUTSE, Nigeria — An official in northern Nigeria says more than 2 million people have been displaced in a flood caused by gates being opened at two dams.

Jigawa state governor spokesman Umar Kyari has told The Associated Press the flooding began suddenly Friday when officials in neighboring Kano state opened the flood gates at the Challawa and Tiga dams. Kyari says 5,000 villages are affected in the northern state.

Kyari says officials “released the water indiscriminately.”