As fears mount over potential seasonal flooding due to a possible release from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, state governments in Benue, Edo, and Bayelsa have activated preventive measures to mitigate disaster risks.
Although the Federal Ministry of Water Resources has dismissed reports that the dam has been opened, authorities in the affected states are not taking chances.
In Benue, the State Emergency Management Agency has ramped up awareness campaigns to prepare residents. The agency’s Information Officer, Tema Ager, confirmed the state’s heightened alert.
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.”
She added that a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened soon to coordinate further action.
In Edo, the state’s Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency has yet to receive any formal notice about a release from the Lagdo Dam. However, the Executive Director/CEO of the agency, Ahmed Momoh, emphasized that the government remains vigilant.
He stated, “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.”
Momoh noted that the dam’s water release, if it happens, would mostly affect the state’s riverine areas, and the government is prepared to respond accordingly.
Bayelsa State also affirmed its readiness for any potential flooding, even though it has not been officially informed of any water release. The Head of the Bayelsa Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control, Walson Omusu, reiterated the state’s preparedness.
Omusu said, “We are ready. We have not been informed, but we are always ready.”
He added that the directorate had already begun clearing natural water channels in Yenagoa and other locations to minimize flood impact. Bayelsa, which suffered heavy damage during the 2012 and 2022 floods, established the directorate to improve disaster response and prevention.
Meanwhile, in response to recent flood-related challenges, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated relief materials to Otuasega and Oruma communities in Bayelsa. This humanitarian support was executed in partnership with an indigenous NGO, the Ednest Egerue Foundation.
During the distribution, NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the Deputy Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Mrs. Chioma Nwakwe, highlighted the commission’s commitment to aiding vulnerable populations.
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.”
Susan Ibiama, founder of the Ednest Egerue Foundation, praised the NDDC’s intervention, stating, “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 items, Vice Chairman of the Otuasega Community Development Committee, Innocent Abbey, expressed gratitude, saying, “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.”
Also, the Secretary of the Ngbiama-Oruma Community, Akaribo Lamanya, commended the NDDC board and assured fair distribution of the relief materials.
