A total of nine states states are in danger of an imminent flood after the reports that Lagdo Dam in Cameroon is set to open.
The states includes Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa, which are surrounded by the River Benue, could experience an increase in water levels.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a notice from its Cameroonian counterpart about the dam’s opening, which prompted them to inform the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA).
The Directorate of African Affairs sent a letter to NEMA, notifying them of Cameroon’s decision and urging them to take proactive steps to mitigate damage and sensitize the affected populations. NEMA has assured Nigerians that they are addressing the situation and trying to alleviate any potential risks.
The spokesman of the agency, Manzo Ezekiel, said: “However, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) wishes to allay fears of Nigerians over the planned release of the excess water from Lagdo dam, which is located on River Benue in the Republic of Cameroon.
“The Agency is working with critical stakeholders at the Federal, States and Local Governments to ensure that the release will not cause much negative impacts on the low-lying communities along the states that would be affected.”
“The states on the downstream of River Benue are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States.”
“The Agency envisaged this release of excess water from the Lagdo dam, taken note of the likely impacts and considered in the preparations for mitigation and response to the 2023 flood alert.”