Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, is currently facing a devastating flood crisis as the River Benue continues to rise, displacing hundreds of residents and submerging homes and farmlands. The rising water levels have hit communities close to the riverbank the hardest, leaving families scrambling for safety and shelter.
The flood, which has spread rapidly over the past few days, has affected several areas within Makurdi, including the Agwan Jukun community in Wurukum, Kilometre 3 near the Judges Quarters, Wadata, Gyado Villa, and Agbouhoul. Many of these areas are now underwater, causing panic among residents as the situation worsens.
Over the weekend, it was observed that the rising water had reached the perimeter fence of the Airforce Quarters near Wurukum Roundabout.
In addition, mechanic workshops around the area have been abandoned as the floodwaters continue to advance, leaving no room for business operations. Other critical sites, such as the Wurukum abattoir, plank market, and rice mill, are also at risk of being submerged if the water level continues to rise.
The flood has forced thousands of people out of their homes, with many seeking refuge in temporary shelters or with friends and family in safer areas. Business owners in the affected zones have been forced to close down, moving their goods to higher ground to avoid further damage.
One of the affected residents, Mr. Sunny Ntenba, shared his experience of the rising floodwaters with VANGUARD. His home, located near Kyabis Hotel on Kilometre 3, Gboko Road, has been partially submerged. He recounted how he had to evacuate his family and move their belongings to a friend’s house for safety.
“The water level started rising days ago, and instead of receding, it kept increasing. Some of us left early, remembering past flooding incidents caused by the release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon,” Mr. Ntenba told VANGUARD.
While he managed to secure his family and belongings, Mr. Ntenba’s house remains under water, and he does not expect to return home for at least another month. He called on the federal government to take action by dredging the River Benue, which he believes could prevent future flooding disasters in the region. His appeal echoes the concerns of many other residents who have been hit by repeated floods over the years.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has issued a strong warning to those living in flood-prone areas, urging them to evacuate immediately. SEMA’s Executive Secretary, James Iorpuu, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, citing the dangerously high water levels as the reason for the evacuation directive. He encouraged people to relocate to safer places or move into designated emergency camps set up to accommodate displaced families.
