The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) has urgently advised residents living within a one-kilometer radius of riverbanks to relocate immediately due to an impending flood threat.
This warning comes after the agency received critical weather updates from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
According to these agencies, there will be a five-day period of heavy rainfall starting on Tuesday, September 16, which could lead to severe flooding across the state.
James Iorpuu, the Executive Secretary of Benue-SEMA, highlighted areas most at risk, including Udoma, Ugbokpo, Ukgbokolo, Ukpiam, Otobi, Otukpo, Mbapa, Makurdi, Gbajimba, Logo, and Abinsi.
He urged residents in these areas to relocate immediately as a precautionary measure.
“The agency, with the full support of Governor Hyacinth Alia, is fully prepared to assist those affected by the potential disaster,” Iorpuu stated.
In preparation, Benue-SEMA has set up designated camps for residents in high-risk areas to ensure their safety.
For residents in Makurdi, those in Kanshio, Logo 1 and 2, Achusa, Judges Quarters, Behind Hotel Lucia, and near BSU should move to the Makurdi International School along George Akume Road.
People living in Kucha Utebe, Brewery, Gyado Villa, Mu, and Wurukum are advised to relocate to LGEA Primary School Wurukum, also known as Suswam Thank You.
Those residing in Rice Mill, Agboughul, Tionsha, and Wadata should go to NKST Primary School Wadata, while residents in North Bank should head to St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School.
In Abinsi, LGEA Primary School Abinsi is the designated camp, while those in Gbajimba are urged to move to Government Secondary School Gbajimba.
In Otukpo, residents should relocate to St. Francis Otukpo, and those in Agatu are advised to move to Oweto.
People in Ogbokolo, Ogbokpo, Mbapa, and Ukpiam should find safer grounds nearby, where they can be reached by Benue-SEMA.
Iorpuu emphasized that these early warnings and weather predictions are intended to encourage proactive measures, reducing the risks of natural and human-induced disasters in the state.
He called on all residents in flood-prone areas to take the warnings seriously to ensure their safety.
