Hobnob News —
Amid rising concerns over the potential release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam and its impact on Nigerian riverine communities, state governments in Benue, Edo, and Bayelsa have begun strategic preparations to mitigate possible disaster risks.
Although the Federal Ministry of Water Resources has dismissed claims that the dam has been opened, state agencies are not taking chances.
In Benue State, authorities have launched an aggressive flood awareness campaign. The State Emergency Management Agency’s Information Officer, Tema Ager, confirmed that while no formal notice had been received from the Federal Government regarding water release, sensitisation efforts are already underway.
“The Minister of Water Resources has asked us to disregard claims that Cameroon has released water from the Lagdo Dam. However, we are not taking anything for granted. We have initiated public awareness campaigns via radio jingles and will convene stakeholders’ meetings to discuss proactive measures,” Ager stated.
In Edo State, Executive Director of the State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency, Ahmed Momoh, also noted that no official notification had been received. However, he reaffirmed the state’s readiness to respond swiftly should the need arise.
“We’ve inspected erosion-prone sites and taken necessary pre-emptive steps based on earlier alerts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. The riverine areas remain a focus of concern, and the state is on standby to protect vulnerable communities,” Momoh said.
Bayelsa State, which endured devastating floods in 2012 and 2022, is also on alert. Walson Omusu, Head of the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control, said that while the state has not received any alerts, it remains fully prepared.
“We are ready. Our agency was established to ensure this kind of preparedness. We have cleared major water channels across Yenagoa and beyond in anticipation of heavy rainfall or dam-related flooding,” he added.
In a related development, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has distributed relief materials to flood-hit communities in Bayelsa. During a ceremony in Otuasega and Oruma communities, the NDDC reaffirmed its commitment to cushioning the effects of environmental disasters in the region.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, represented by Deputy Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Mrs. Chioma Nwakwe, said the relief efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are here to bring comfort to communities that suffered severe damage due to flooding. These interventions, in partnership with the Ednest Egerue Foundation, will provide real support to those affected,” Nwakwe noted.
Relief items included furniture, learning tablets, and emergency supplies. Representatives from Otuasega and Ngbiama-Oruma communities expressed deep gratitude to the commission, promising equitable distribution of the aid.
As seasonal rains intensify, emergency response agencies across affected states are encouraging citizens, particularly those in flood-prone regions, to remain vigilant and adhere to official advisories.
