…….. as River Niger and Benue Water Levels Rises
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has directed communities in flood related areas to relocate immediately to higher ground as the water levels in the Benue and Niger rivers near dangerous thresholds.
This directive was issued by the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, during a flood sensitisation campaign in Kogi State on Thursday. Leading the NOA Flood Sensitisation and Evaluation Team, Issa-Onilu, represented by Mallam Nuru Kobi, director of planning, Research, and Statistics, Abuja, warned riverine communities about the imminent flood risks posed by the rising water levels.
According to the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, as of 25 September, the water levels of the Benue and Niger rivers had risen to 9.2 meters, significantly higher than the usual five meters.
The NOA DG highlighted the potential impact of water releases from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, which could lead to severe flooding in 11 Nigerian states, as earlier predicted by the National Hydrological Information Service.
Issa-Onilu emphasized the urgency of relocation, particularly in states such as Kogi, Adamawa, Nassarawa, Taraba, Benue, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Bayelsa, and Rivers, which are expected to be most affected.
He noted that NOA had mobilised officers in these states to alert and sensitize communities on the impending disaster, urging them to move to safer areas.
During a visit to Edeha Community in Koton-Karfe/Kogi Local Government Area, Issa-Onilu explained that NOA’s flood sensitisation efforts involved visiting markets, religious centers, and traditional leaders to communicate flood risks and advise communities accordingly.
Laying reference on the devastation caused by the 2022 floods, which claimed over 600 lives and submerged around 10,000 houses, the DG stressed that proactive measures were being taken to mitigate potential disasters in 2024.
He commended the Kogi State Government for establishing 42 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across eight local government areas and implementing other proactive measures to reduce flood impact.
Muktar Atimah, Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed that the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, had instructed the agency to do everything possible to minimize the effects of floods. He also disclosed that Ibaji Local Government Area was already severely affected, with much of it submerged by floodwaters.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on State Emergency Management, Sandra Musa, added that the state government was working closely with the Nigerian Navy and NEMA to monitor water levels, which had risen to 9.2 meters. She urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately to protect their lives and property.
