Concerns arise in Benue as Cameroon releases surplus water from the Lagdo Dam
ActionAid urges the government to make use of the ecological fund.
In Benue State, tension has escalated due to reports of Cameroon releasing surplus water from the Lagdo Dam, as confirmed by Bridget Ikyado, the Principal Special Assistant (Media and Publicity/Strategic Communications) to the Governor. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified nine states, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa, where flooding is anticipated.
The statement indicates that these nine states, with communities along the banks of the River Benue, may experience the impact of the excess water from the Lagdo Dam, which is expected to persist until the end of October.
Ikyado pointed out that Mustapha Ahmed, the Director-General of NEMA, had issued a warning to states and local councils situated along the River Niger and Benue basins. He urged them to promptly activate their emergency response plans to prevent extensive damage.
James Iorpuu, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), mentioned that the state government is currently in the process of finalizing its strategies and will communicate them to the public tomorrow. He also reassured that the government is actively working to mitigate the impact of the impending flood and is not complacent in this regard.
As the forecast of flooding looms over nine states, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) is urging the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to effectively utilize the Ecological Fund for efficient coordination and heightened public awareness.
Andrew Mamedu, the Country Director of AAN, emphasized that despite substantial allocations from the Ecological Fund, there has been noticeable neglect of erosion and other disaster-prone areas in various states. Consequently, the group is demanding an immediate and thorough review of the fund's utilization.
Additionally, AAN is advocating for the prompt allocation of the fund towards immediate emergency response efforts and the prevention of future disasters.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently issued a warning about an imminent flood in nine states, which include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa. This has resulted in the displacement of communities, posing a substantial risk to both crops and essential infrastructure.
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) emphasized that the loss of 28 lives and the displacement of thousands highlight the pressing necessity for collaborative and focused actions to tackle this crisis.
Affirming its dedication to collaborating with government bodies, affected communities, and pertinent agencies to deliver swift relief, assistance, and rehabilitation, it urged the impacted states to promptly initiate their emergency response strategies to protect lives and assets.
The statement stated, "During this crucial period, AAN urges both federal and state governments to work in partnership with national and state emergency management agencies to furnish essential relief supplies and ensure that affected individuals and households receive timely assistance."
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