Federal Government Warns of Potential Flooding in Frontline States Along River Benue

The Federal Government has issued a warning that several states situated along the River Benue may face flooding in the next seven days due to the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

The announcement was made during a briefing held in Abuja by the Presidential Committee, established under the direction of President Bola Tinubu. Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, highlighted that the committee would implement a range of policies and rescue efforts aimed at alleviating the consequences of the impending flood triggered by the water release from the Lagdo Dam.

Dr. Edu urged the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to take swift action by facilitating the immediate evacuation of residents from flood-prone communities to safer locations. She stated, “This coordinating meeting is holding at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, who directed such after I raised the issue of flooding in today’s Federal Executive Council meeting. Mr. President directed that all relevant ministries must meet to find a solution to the issue of flooding.”

She also emphasized the significance of proactive measures to combat the potential flood effects. “As earlier stated, the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon was opened recently and we will see the effect in the coming days. Flood has been a major issue in Nigeria and has been causing loss of lives and property. We have been given a task by Mr. President to ensure proper preparedness against the effect of the opening of the Lagdo Dam.”

Dr. Edu stressed the need for comprehensive actions, including drainage cleaning, removal of blockages, and public awareness campaigns. She called for residents in affected areas to relocate to safer zones and urged states to facilitate these involuntary relocations.

Minister of Environment, Iziaq Salako, and Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, joined Dr. Edu during the briefing, pledging intensified efforts to mitigate the potential impact of floods.