Flood: Benue Govt. Warns residents against Drainage Blockages

From Attah Ede,  Makurdi 

Benue State Government, on Wednesday, warned those living along the Riverine areas to move their households to a higher ground to avert dangers that may be imposed by flood.

Recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently listed 30 States including Benue State as with high risk areas of impending flood as a result of expected rainfall this year.

Speaking with journalists in his office, the commissioner for water resources, environment and climate change, Mr. Odoh Ugwu, said the state has put adequate measures in place to handle any effects of flooding that might occur this year.

He maintained that the state government had already identified  areas to be affected by the predicted flooding, while adequate preparation had been made to tackle the situation.

According to him, “cases of flood is no longer a new thing for those in Benue, saying even last year, many  areas in Benue were also flooded.

“Benue is usually a flash point as regards to flooding because is something that happened on yearly basis and on our part we put certain things in place to make sure that the impact or the effects of rains ot as a result of water release from the Ladgo Dam is put in check.

“We made them seen reasons why they should  move from those areas before the flood comes. We are also telling them that government has provided a kind of safe havens for them where to stay and would be well taking care of, and their needs would  be met until the season is over.

He lamented that despite the government’s effort, it was discovered that some residents residing along the bank of the River, are proving stubborn and  do not want to leave the areas.

The commissioner stressed that  due to  how government of Governor Hyacinth Alia attached importance to human lives, Government will continue to press on them until they move to higher and safer grounds. 

The commissioner equally disclosed that, the state government has informed owners of buildings erected on water channels to vacate the areas while the ministry has already set up a committee in conjunction with the state Urban Development Board preparatory to bring down all those houses without approval from the board.

Mr. Ugwu  appealed  to the people in the identified areas  obey government instruction as  the state is prepared to avert further major flooding.