July 08, (THEWILL) — The Benue State Government has issued a strong warning to residents living in flood-prone and low-lying areas to immediately relocate to higher ground in anticipation of heavy rainfall and possible water release from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Makurdi, the Acting General Manager of the Benue State Environmental and Sanitation Authority (BENSESA), Chief Anta Igbaato, described the situation as urgent and called for swift, collective action to prevent disaster.
“As the Acting General Manager of BENSESA, I am compelled to urgently alert the general public—especially those living near rivers, streams, and other flood-prone areas—that relevant agencies have predicted imminent flooding.
This is a serious environmental threat that must be met with immediate and decisive action,” Igbaato stated.
He warned that the expected volume of water would flow downstream with Benue State directly in its path, stressing that floods “don’t knock—they sweep through without mercy and leave behind sorrow, loss, and devastation.”
Igbaato advised all residents in vulnerable areas to begin voluntary evacuation to safer, higher ground, describing the threat as real and confirmed.
The BENSESA boss also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and religious leaders, and local influencers to mobilize residents and help disseminate the warning across the state.
He assured that the Benue State Government, under Governor Hyacinth Alia, is on high alert and working closely with emergency agencies, local governments, and humanitarian partners to respond promptly as the situation unfolds.
“The Alia-led administration will not leave our people stranded. But everyone must act fast to avoid the tragedies of the past. Let’s protect our soil, our lives, and our future,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has dismissed rumours circulating on social media about the release of water from the Lagdo Dam.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, through a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, confirmed that the water level at the dam remains low at 2.06 meters and that no release has occurred.
Utsev urged the public to remain calm and disregard the false reports while continuing to observe flood safety guidelines. He also advised residents in flood-risk areas—including Lokoja (Kogi State), Wurobokki (Adamawa State), and Makurdi (Benue State)—to stay alert and consult the NIHSA Flood Dashboard for accurate and updated information.
The statement further disclosed that the Kashimbila Dam in Taraba State is currently being used for flood control, while work on the Wannune Dam and the design of the Dura Dam in Benue State are at advanced stages.
Authorities continue to monitor developments closely as the rainy season progresses.
