Lagdo Dam , Cameroon, releases water into Rivers Niger and Benue.

NEWS TRIBE COMMUNICATIONS September 20, 2024

Federal Government of Nigeria has warned Nigerians to relocate as Cameroon releases Lagdo Dam’s waters

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, said the water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, has been released into Rivers Niger and Benue.

The agency warned Nigerians resident in floodplains to relocate immediately to safe spaces in anticipation of attendant floods that annually come with the release of water from the dam.

The release of water from Lagdo Dam comes days after water from overflowing Alau Dam killed over 30 persons and swept away thousands of homes in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, last weekend.

NIHSA Director General, Umar Mohammed, gave the warning when he featured on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief breakfast programme , and noted that the agency met with the authorities in Cameroon and agreed that water from the dam be released “intermittently” for the River Benue and River Niger in Nigeria to be able to contain the volume of water to avoid flooding in 11 states at risk.

NIHSA listed flood-prone states to include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers.

The NIHSA boss said for now, there was calm and nomalcy, adding that the water was being regularised from the Lagdo dam, though with rising currents.

He said all Nigerians had a role to play to prevent flooding as previous release of water from the Lagdo Dam has caused constant flooding in Nigeria.

The NIHSA boss said: “Everybody has their part to play; as the federal government is doing its part, our agency is doing its part, NEMA is prepared, individuals should also have to do their part. They have to move from the flood plain.

“Houses also, their drainages, they have to clean and clear their drainages. Water will find its way, so the waterways should be cleared, the drainages should be cleared to allow water to move. That is the responsibility of everybody. Look at your house, if your house is at the flood plain, please move, it is an appeal.”