Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Four Other States Risk Flooding as Nigerian Govt Issues Alert

Due to an increase in the amount of flow along the River Benue, the Federal Government has urged state governments to make preparations for flooding.

This was revealed at a news conference in Abuja on Saturday by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo.

Benue River flows through seven states in the northeast and north-central geopolitical zones of Nigeria namely Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue and Kogi states.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has noted an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system, registering a flow level of 8.97m as of today.

Utsev said reports from inland dams, including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro, also indicate a consistent flow regime.

The minister said it was important for states to prepare since the country was already witnessing heavy rainfall.

The minister said it was important for states to prepare since the country was already witnessing heavy rainfall.

While advocating the removal of illegal structures constructed within the floodplains, he urged the general public, especially road users, to desist from walking or driving through any pool of water or flood.

He, however, noted that “as at today, there is no threat to lives and properties, especially those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue.”

On the situation at Lokoja, the minister stated that despite the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remained within normal parameters