In response to the ongoing release of water from the Lagdo Dam in the Republic of Cameroon, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a flood alert to 13 states in Nigeria, urging the immediate activation of emergency response systems. The alert comes as riparian communities and farmlands along the banks of the River Niger in Adamawa, Taraba, and Benue states have faced continuous inundation over the past 48 hours.
Mustapha Ahmed, the Director-General of NEMA, delivered the alert during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja. He explained that the rapid release of water from the Lagdo Dam had caused the sudden increase in water levels, resulting in the displacement of numerous residents in affected communities. Additionally, croplands and critical infrastructure are now at risk of being washed away by the floodwaters.
Ahmed stated, “Situation reports from Adamawa State confirm the upsurge of floodwaters along the flood plains of the River Benue. The situation is expected to be replicated in downstream states of Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa, as the River Benue joins the River Niger and flows to the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta.”
Regarding the impact of the floods, Ahmed provided an update, saying, “I also wish to update you on the NEMA situation room dashboard, which indicates that this year’s flood scenario has affected 159,157 persons, resulted in the loss of 28 lives, and displaced 48,168 individuals in 13 states across Nigeria. I want to assure that NEMA will continue working with our distinguished partners and the press to update Nigerians on the emerging situation.”
He further emphasized that the affected states possess the capacity to manage the flood situation, with NEMA providing continuous support and flood mapping assistance. However, if their capacity is exceeded, NEMA stands ready to intervene and provide assistance as necessary.
