The Benue State Government has issued an urgent flood warning to residents living in high-risk areas, advising them to relocate immediately as heavy rainfall and potential flooding loom. This warning follows a recent forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) that identified Benue as among the states most vulnerable to flooding in the coming months.
The alert was announced during the June distribution of food and non-food relief items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), operating under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
Government Calls for Immediate Action
Donald Komgbenda, Head of Administration at Benue SEMA, who represented the Permanent Secretary, James Anodoakaa Iorpuu, emphasized the urgency of the situation during Wednesday's event.
"We are calling on residents in flood-prone areas to take proactive steps and relocate to safer locations. The warning from NiMet should not be ignored. We urge the public to cooperate while the government implements necessary preventive measures," Komgbenda stated.
He further assured that the government remains committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of displaced and vulnerable persons across the state, noting that the June distribution exercise had already commenced at Mbayongo Mega Camp and in Apa Local Government Area.
"This distribution demonstrates the government's continuous effort to ensure no vulnerable individual is left behind, especially those affected by attacks from armed herdsmen."
Ongoing Relief Efforts Amid Multiple Challenges
Permanent Secretary Iorpuu acknowledged Governor Hyacinth Alia's dedication to addressing both humanitarian and security challenges in Benue State. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deploying the Chief of Army Staff to Benue, describing it as a step that would enhance peace and stability in the region.
The flood warning comes at a time when Benue is already grappling with security challenges that have resulted in thousands of internally displaced persons. According to recent reports, the state has recorded over 18,000 new IDPs due to insecurity, further complicating humanitarian efforts.
Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to heed the government's warning and take immediate precautionary measures to avoid potential disaster as the rainy season intensifies.
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