In a proactive move to protect its residents from the looming threat of flooding, the Benue State Government has sounded a red alert, calling on those residing along the banks of the Benue River to relocate to safer, upland areas.
The newly appointed Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Ugwu Odoh, issued the alert in the wake of concerns raised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which placed 13 states across Nigeria on high alert due to plans by Cameroon to release water from the Lagdo Dam.
Benue State is no stranger to flooding, an annual occurrence that varies in intensity.
The Benue River has, on numerous occasions, breached its banks, causing widespread damage to homes, sweeping away properties and valuables, and displacing countless residents. Many of these flood victims still rely on support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) facilitated through the state government.
Recognizing the critical need for timely action, the state government has launched an extensive public awareness campaign in Makurdi, the state capital, to educate residents about the impending danger posed by the rising Benue River.
This education effort aims to ensure that residents are well-informed about the potential consequences of staying in vulnerable areas during the flood season.
While some residents have expressed their appreciation for the government’s proactive stance and the valuable warnings provided, others, particularly business operators and those residing along the riverbanks in Makurdi, are actively assessing and preparing for the impending threat.
The commissioner conducted a thorough inspection of the situation. His findings have further emphasized the urgency of the matter.
As a response to the impending crisis, the state government has directed property owners and business operators in vulnerable areas to relocate promptly, emphasizing that waste management will be a top priority in the evacuation process.
Moreover, there is a growing recognition that long-term solutions, such as the dredging of the River Benue and River Niger, could significantly mitigate the annual ravages of flooding in the region.
Such initiatives would offer respite not only to the people of Benue but also to neighboring states, including Kogi, Niger, and Taraba, which have also grappled with the devastating impacts of these floods.
The Benue State Government’s proactive warnings and educational efforts signal a determined commitment to safeguarding its citizens from the imminent flood threat.
While the immediate focus is on relocation and waste management, discussions about long-term solutions hold promise for a safer future in this flood-prone region.