Benue Government Urges Coastal Residents to Relocate Amid Flood Fears
The Benue State government has heightened its alert signal in response to the impending flood expected to ravage the coastal areas of the state.
The government has initiated a sensitization campaign, urging residents in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer and higher lands.
Philip Ebenyakwu, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area—one of the most flood-prone regions—has called on the state government to assist the people. He emphasized that the residents are already grappling with the aftermath of severe insecurity and need immediate support.
READ ALSO: Fatal House Fire Claims Life of 80-Year-Old and 50 houses in Benue Village
Tema Ager, the Information Officer of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of those living close to riverbanks. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to educate these communities about the dangers of staying in flood-prone areas and the necessity of relocating.
Ager stated, “We have sensitized the people living around coastal areas of the danger inherent in that and advised them to relocate to safer places.”
READ ALSO: 5 Survive Ureje River Flood in Ekiti State
Ebenyakwu also expressed concerns about the combined threat of insecurity and potential flooding, appealing to the state government for urgent intervention in Agatu. “There is no doubt that people are afraid of being ravaged by flooding when they are still battling with insecurity, but our appeal is that the state government should come to the aid of our people in Agatu,” he said.
Efforts to reach the Commissioner of Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Odoh Ugwu, for further details on the state’s preparations in case the Lagdo Dam water channel is opened, were unsuccessful. Calls to his phone went unanswered, and a text message sent to his cellphone has yet to receive a response.
