Alia: We’re fully prepared in Benue for imminent flooding

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, says adequate measures have been put in place to mitigate any flooding disaster.

On April 17, the federal government warned that 148 LGAs in 31 states, including Benue, are at risk of severe flooding from April to November 2024. 

On Tuesday, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued a flood alert about the regulated water releases into the country from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday at the State House in Abuja after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Alia noted that the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) is fully equipped to handle any flood-related challenges.

The governor noted that the state is exploring different options, including dredging the rivers to ensure the flood is fully mitigated.

“I didn’t say we are thinking about what to do when the floods come; we are prepared. We are creating awareness for all our people,” Alia said.

“So, before the dredging, there are a number of things on the table, exploring to see which is the best option, before the federal government comes in to support us.

“So, for the record, we’re not just waiting; we have a SEMA, an emergency management team. They have the capacity to take charge of all these, and they are already quite armed.

“We pray that the flood doesn’t come in, but if it does, you know we are definitely equal to the task.”

On September 10, many residents of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, fled their homes following a devastating flood that killed over 30 people, leaving more than 400,000 others displaced.