Residents in eleven states along the Benue River are feeling anxious as water is being released from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. This action comes after heavy rains caused significant flooding, including a recent disaster in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, where the Alau Dam collapsed. Many people fear that the situation could worsen, similar to the flooding experienced in 2022.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued a warning on September 17, 2024, indicating that the release of water from the Lagdo Dam could lead to severe flooding across multiple states. The states at risk include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross-River, and Rivers. NIHSA has urged local officials and residents to stay alert and prepare for possible flooding.
While the recent flooding in Maiduguri was not directly linked to the Lagdo Dam’s water release, officials worry that this could lead to more severe flooding than last year’s events. Reports indicate that water levels in the Niger and Benue Rivers are already rising, which raises concerns among the people living near these waterways. In communities such as Irri in Delta State, residents are already moving to higher ground to avoid potential flooding.
Umar Muhammed, the Director-General of NIHSA, emphasized the urgency of relocating from flood-prone areas. He noted, “The water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days, based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River.” This river is the primary source for the reservoir and significantly contributes to the Benue River.
