Several Nigerian states at risk of flooding have begun preparing temporary shelters for affected residents, in anticipation of the release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam into the River Niger and River Benue
The Federal Government had earlier issued an alert regarding the planned water release, with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency identifying 11 vulnerable states: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.
On Wednesday, Nasarawa State’s Emergency Management Agency confirmed that temporary shelters were being set up in flood-prone areas. Danladi Obagu, the agency’s Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, stated, “We have started establishing venues for displaced persons and have launched sensitization campaigns across the 13 local government areas to warn residents of the risks.”
In Benue State, Aondowase Kunde, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, said the government had identified several facilities to serve as shelters and set up a technical committee on flood disaster preparedness. He urged residents living near riverine areas to relocate, noting that 18 local government areas, including Makurdi, Guma, and Katsina-Ala, were particularly vulnerable.
Taraba State has also mobilized its emergency management agencies, with Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Saviour Noku, revealing that the government had launched public awareness campaigns through radio and social media. He added that speedboats had been deployed for emergency evacuations, and residents were advised to move to safer areas.
In Kwara State, the government has ramped up public enlightenment efforts, including radio broadcasts and engagements with community leaders, to encourage residents in flood-prone areas to relocate. Commissioner for Communication, Bola Olukoju, also called for the dredging of the River Niger as a long-term solution to the frequent flooding.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command has issued post-flood guidelines to manage the aftermath of recent flooding in Maiduguri. The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Yusufu, urged residents to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with emergency responders.
As flood risks loom, the affected states are taking preemptive steps to protect lives and minimize damage while calling for greater public cooperation and adherence to safety guidelines.
