Move To Higher Grounds-FG, States, Warn Residents Along Flood-Prone River Benue Basin

The federal and some state governments have asked Nigerians along the Flood-Prone paths of Rivers Benue and lower Niger to vacate the areas and move to higher grounds to prevent avoidable human catastrophe from Imminent flooding. 

The warning was issued Sunday by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, following the receipt of notice of intent by Cameroonian authorities to open the Lagdo Dam. 

The release of water from the dam, alongside its negative impacts, is expected to affect communities in Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River. 

Director of African Affairs, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Umar Salisu, who confirmed the receipt of the letter from the High Commission of Cameroon, also disclosed that the Lagdo Dam will be opened in a matter of days according to contents of the letter, dated August 21, 2023.

“I have the honour to inform that the ministry is in receipt of a Note Verbale from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead due to the heavy rainfall around the dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon,” the letter written to NEMA, read in part. 

Though the letter indicated that only 'modulated variable small amount of water' would be released at a time to prevent damages, it however, warned that the released water is likely to create catastrophic impact along the River Benue basin in both countries. 

“In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitise the populace living in such areas to vigilance and all necessary precautions.”