The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs East and Central African Division has warned the National Emergency Management Agency and related agencies about the possibility of flooding in the coming days. The warning comes as Cameroon plans to release water from the Lagdo Dam into the Benue River.

 

According to a statement signed by the Director of African Affairs, Ambassador Umar Salisu, the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon has informed the Ministry that due to heavy rainfall in the Dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon, officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River.

 

“I have the honour to inform that the Ministry is in receipt of a Note Verbale from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead due to the heavy rainfall around the Dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon”. Part of the statement reads

 

The statement further explained that when the release of water becomes necessary, only a modulated variable small amount of water will be released at a time to mitigate and avoid damages along the River Benue basin in Cameroon and Nigeria.

 

The Ministry has urged NEMA and other agencies to take all necessary proactive steps and actions to mitigate damage and sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions.