The Benue state government has announced that public schools in 22 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state will be used as camps for those affected by the expected flood. 

 

The acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, made the announcement on Thursday during a visit to some of the flood-prone communities in the state.

 

According to a statement from the agency’s Information Office, the plan is in response to a notification from Cameroonian authorities that they intend to release excess water from Lagdo Dam into River Benue. 

 

“this notification is in response to the notice from the Cameroonian authorities on the release of water from the Lagdo Dam over River Benue. The flood is expected to affect people living around the banks of River Benue and people occupying flood-prone areas across 22 Local Government Areas, LGAs, of the state.

 

“We are calling on residents living around the river bank to move to higher grounds for safety. We have already designated public schools across the 22 LGAs that would be affected as camps for the victims of the impending flood.” 

 

Several flood-prone areas within Makurdi, include Achusa, Idye, Wurukum market, Genabe, Industrial layout, Demekpe, Wadata market, Rice Mill, Inongun, Agbohough, Judges Quarters, and Gyado Villa. 

 

The Executive Secretary assured that the agency will inform residents about developments concerning the looming flood.