FG Urges Nigerians to Relocate from Floodplain Areas as Lagdo Dam is Released

The Nigerian government has issued an urgent plea to residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate immediately as water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon is being released into the River Niger and the River Benue to free up the water a little before it outbursts its space. 

 The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned that the release, which began on Wednesday, September 19, could result in severe flooding across 11 states, including Adamawa, Benue, Rivers, and several other states up north, as stated. 

 “The water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam has been released in phases,” NIHSA Director General Umar Mohammed said, urging residents to evacuate for their own safety and protection. 

 “Please move from the floodplain; it is an appeal,” he added. 

 The agency emphasized that while the government is prepared, citizens also need to do their part by ensuring that drainages are cleared and that homes in flood-risk areas are vacated to prevent a potential disaster from occurring in the communities. 

 Flooding caused by previous releases from the Lagdo Dam has led to significant loss of life and property in Nigeria, including the recent overflow of the Alau Dam in Borno State, which claimed over 30 lives as recorded.

 “Everybody has a role to play,” Mohammed added, stressing the importance of individual responsibility in managing flood risks to ensure safety and ease unnecessary stress.