The Benue State Government has issued a strong flood warning to residents in high-risk areas, urging immediate precautions in anticipation of heavy rainfall and potential disaster.
The warning follows a recent forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified Benue as one of the states most vulnerable to flooding in the coming months.
This was disclosed during the June flag-off of food and non-food relief item distribution to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), which operates under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
Speaking during the event on Wednesday, the Head of Administration at Benue SEMA, Donald Komgbenda, who represented the Permanent Secretary, James Anodoakaa Iorpuu, said:
“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 added that the government remains committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of displaced and vulnerable persons in the state. He said the June distribution exercise, which had already begun at Mbayongo Mega Camp and in Apa Local Government Area, was a testament to that commitment.
“This distribution demonstrates the government’s continuous effort to ensure no vulnerable individual is left behind, especially those affected by attacks from armed herdsmen,” he said.
Permanent Secretary Iorpuu also acknowledged the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia, stating: “His Excellency has shown unwavering dedication to addressing both humanitarian and security challenges in the state.
We also commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deploying the Chief of Army Staff to Benue, a step we believe will further enhance peace and stability.”
