The Nigerian Federal Government has warned that the frontline states along the River Benue are at risk of flooding within the next seven days due to the opening of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, stated that the opening of the dam could lead to flooding in these states.
A Presidential Committee has been formed to implement policies and rescue missions aimed at mitigating the impacts of potential flooding from the Lagdo Dam. The government has urged the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to take immediate action by evacuating residents from flood-prone communities to safer areas.
The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation have also pledged to intensify efforts to address the potential devastation caused by flooding. Proper preparedness, cleaning of drainages, removal of blockages, and public awareness campaigns are among the measures recommended to minimize the impact of potential flooding.