The Benue State Government has initiated proactive measures to combat potential flooding, following growing concerns over the possible release of water from the Lagdo Dam by Cameroonian authorities.
This was disclosed over the weekend by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) in Makurdi, according to a report by Hobnob News.
Speaking on behalf of the agency, BSEMA Information Officer Terna Ager assured residents that although there is no official report confirming the release of water from the dam, the state government remains alert and prepared to respond to any eventuality.
“The Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has said we should dismiss the report stating that Cameroon had released water from the Lagdo Dam,” Ager explained. “So, we don’t have any report that Cameroon has released water from its dam. Nevertheless, the government is not resting on its oars to be caught unawares.”
In anticipation of possible flooding, the state has begun sensitizing the public through radio jingles, warning residents of the risks and encouraging early preparedness.
Ager also disclosed that stakeholders across various sectors would soon convene a meeting to develop strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of flooding in vulnerable communities.
“The purpose of the meeting is to get our people ready in case of flooding and to mitigate the effects,” he stated.
The Benue State Government’s actions reflect a broader effort to strengthen disaster response frameworks in the face of environmental threats, especially as the rainy season intensifies across the region.
