The Nigerian government has warned residents in areas at risk of flooding to relocate immediately as water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon has been released into the Rivers Niger and Benue.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) announced this, highlighting the potential for flooding in 11 affected states, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers.
NIHSA Director General, Umar Mohammed, who gave the warning when he featured on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief breakfast programme yesterday, said his agency met with the authorities in Cameroon and agreed that water from the dam be released “intermittently” for the River Benue and River Niger in Nigeria to be able to contain the volume of water to avoid significant damage to homes.
Mohammed, who was represented on the programme by the Agency’s Director of Operations and Hydrology, Femi Bejide, stated, “The situation is that water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam is being released already since yesterday (Wednesday) and there is an agreement that the water should be released in phases,”
He noted that while the current situation remains calm, rising water levels require urgent action to protect lives and property.
Recall that on Tuesday, the federal government alerted Nigerians to the plan by the Cameroonian authorities to release water from the Lagdo Dam.
Mohammed emphasized the need for everyone to help prevent flooding, urging individuals to clean their drainage systems and move away from low-lying areas.
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The NIHSA boss added, “Everybody has their part to play; as the federal government is doing its part, our agency is doing its part, NEMA is prepared, individuals should also have to do their part. They have to move from the flood plain.
“Houses also, their drainages, they have to clean and clear their drainages. Water will find its way, so the waterways should be cleared, the drainages should be cleared to allow water to move. That is the responsibility of everybody. Look at your house, if your house is at the flood plain, please move, it is an appeal.”
A report has been submitted to Chief Bola Tinubu to discuss further measures, including the need for clearing some Nigerian dams.
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