Following flood warnings issued by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Benue State Government has advised residents living along waterways and flood-prone zones to immediately relocate to safer areas to avert loss of life and property.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi, Dr. James Iorpuu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, said the state has activated a number of preventive and responsive measures in anticipation of the looming disaster.
He noted that enlightenment campaigns have been launched to sensitize the public, while blocked drainage channels within urban areas have been cleared to facilitate water flow. The state has also introduced digital emergency platforms to improve reporting, data analysis, and real-time response to emergencies.
“We have appealed to residents along waterways to vacate these areas. This flood will affect not just animals, but people and farmlands too,” said Dr. Iorpuu, who also serves as the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and a member of the Technical Committee on Disaster Response in Nigeria.
He confirmed that the government had requested emergency funds to support potential flood victims and had earmarked temporary camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
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Highlighting ongoing efforts, Iorpuu said the multi-billion-naira Idye drainage project was among the proactive steps taken by the administration to reduce flood risks in Makurdi and surrounding areas.
“This is not a new problem. Every year, affected residents return to risky zones after the floods recede. We are begging them to change this pattern and prioritise their safety,” he said.
He also urged citizens to adopt better waste management practices, warning that improper disposal contributes significantly to flood risks.
Meanwhile, a local resident, Mr. James Ejembi, stressed the need for a long-term solution, calling on the Federal Government to dredge the River Benue and complete the Kamshimbila Dam, which he said would help absorb excess water, particularly when Lagdo Dam in Cameroon releases its content.