The Federal Government issued a warning on Monday, stating that during the next seven days, flooding may occur in all frontline states along the path of the River Benue as a result of the inauguration of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said that the new committee would carry out various policies and rescue operations aimed at lessening the effects of the Lagdo Dam flood during a briefing held in Abuja at the request of the Presidential Committee established by President Bola Tinubu.
She requested the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to hasten Nigerians’ relocation to safer areas from villages at risk of flooding.
Edu said, “This coordinating meeting is holding at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, who directed such after I raised the issue of flooding in today’s Federal Executive Council meeting. Mr President directed that all relevant ministries must meet to find a solution to the issue of flooding.
“As earlier stated, the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon was opened recently and we will see the effect in the coming days. Flood has been a major issue in Nigeria and has been causing loss of lives and property. We have been given a task by Mr President to ensure proper preparedness against the effect of the opening of the Lagdo Dam.
“One of the things government in different states must begin to do is to ensure that drainages are cleaned. Blockages must be removed. Also, proper enlightenment and sensitisation of residents must be carried out.
“Residents in affected areas must begin to relocate to safer planes. States must stand up to involuntary relocations. It is inconceivable to witness avoidable loss of lives and property.”