Benue, Edo, Bayelsa mobilise as Lagdo Dam threat looms

Amid growing fears over seasonal flooding and possible water release from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, state governments in Benue, Edo, and Bayelsa have stepped up preparedness efforts to mitigate disaster risks.

Though the Federal Ministry of Water Resources dismissed reports that the dam had been opened, states are mobilising against the threat.

The Benue State Government said it had intensified flood sensitisation efforts amid growing concerns over seasonal downpours.

The Information Officer of the State Emergency Management Agency, Tema Ager, said the state was awaiting a directive from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

According to Ager, the Minister of Water Resources, Prof Joseph Utsev, had dismissed the report that Cameroon had commenced the release of water from its dam.

Ager said, “The Minister of Water Resources has said that we should dismiss the report stating that Cameroon had released water from Lagdo Dam.

“So, we don’t have any report that Cameroon has released water from its dam, nevertheless, the government is not resting on its oars to be caught unawares.

We have begun sensitisation through jingles on radio stations in the state to alert the people of possible flooding.”

Ager further said stakeholders would meet to address any issue concerning flooding.

The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency, Ahmed Momoh, said the state had not been notified about the release of water from the Lagdo Dam.

He, however, said the state remained alert to take care of the effects of the release of water from the dam.

He noted that the government, through the agency, had fared well in the management of floods in the state after the Nigeria Meteorological Agency’s warning earlier in the year.

He said, “In a renewed effort to tackle the persistent challenge of erosion and flooding in Edo State, we embarked on a strategic inspection tour across critical gully erosion sites in Edo North.

“The visit underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to identifying and addressing environmental degradation, especially in erosion-prone areas.

The state has not been informed of the release of water from the dam but we will be ready to deal with it as it affects the riverine areas mainly.”

Bayelsa State also declared readiness for the release of water from Lagdo Dam.

The Head, Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control, Walson Omusu, told The PUNCH on Sunday that the state was yet to be notified of the release of the flood water from the dam, but said “We are always ready.”

Bayelsa State suffered greatly from the previous floods of 2012 and 2022 which affected public infrastructure and devastated several businesses, especially farms.

Since then, the government set up the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control to mitigate the effects of flooding in the state.

Omusu, who is the pioneer head of the agency, said: “We are ready. We have not been informed, but we are always ready.”

The agency said it had carried out clearing of natural water channels in Yenagoa, the state capital and other areas in a bid to reduce the impact of this year’s flood.

Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Development Commission has donated relief materials to flood-ravaged Otuasega and Oruma communities in Bayelsa State.

The commission said the gesture, in partnership with an indigenous firm, was in fulfilment of its mandate to respond to the needs of the people of the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who stated this during the distribution exercise, noted that the distribution of palliatives demonstrated the commission’s resolve to align its social interventions with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Education, Health, and Social Services, Mrs Chioma Nwakwe said “Just recently, the NDDC flagged off its 2025 Free Medical Mission in the Niger Delta.

“The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was here to inaugurate the remodelled Otuasega Cottage Hospital and School.

“Items such as chairs, desks, and U-Lesson tabs were donated to Otuasega school. With the support of the First Lady, we are here once again to donate relief materials to the Otuasega people.

We are committed to alleviating the plight of the people by supporting vulnerable communities.

“This donation is done in partnership with an indigenous non-governmental organisation, Ednest Egerue Foundation.”

The founder of the Ednest Egerue Foundation, Susan Ibiama, commended the NDDC for its role in bringing succour and relief to the people of the Niger Delta region.

She stated, “I thank the NDDC for the opportunity to partner with them to assist troubled communities. This flood resulted in significant economic losses for these communities. This intervention is laudable.”

Receiving the materials on behalf of the Otuasega community, the Vice Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Mr Innocent Abbey, said, “We are grateful to the NDDC for remembering our people at this difficult time. These items will go a long way in easing the burden on our people.”

The Secretary of the Ngbiama-Oruma Community, Mr Akaribo Lamanya, lauded the present board of the NDDC, pledging that the relief materials would be distributed equitably among the people.