Taraba state government has issued an impending flood alert to six local government areas and appealed to residents to consider relocation as the best option to avoid being affected.
Barr Zainab Usman Jalingo, the state Commissioner for information and re-orientation, in a press statement on Monday, said the decision was due to the recent release of water from the Lagdo Dam, situated along the River Benue in Cameroon.
According to the statement, the state government was conscious of the fact that the lengthiest stretch of the Benue River in Nigeria is within the boundaries of Taraba State.
“We write to apprise the general public, particularly those residing within the environs of the River Benue valley, of a matter of utmost importance. Our intention is to earnestly advise residents to consider relocating to secure locales as a prudent measure against the imminent risk of flooding and its consequential adversities on both human lives and valuable assets.
“This advisory follows the recent release of water from the Lagdo Dam situated along the River Benue in Cameroon. It is important to emphasize that the lengthiest stretch of the Benue River in Nigeria is located within the boundaries of Taraba State.
“Consequently, it is evident that the impending surge in water levels, resulting from the opening of the dam in Cameroon, will disproportionately impact our region. Those most vulnerable to this impending situation are our fellow citizens residing along the Benue River, encompassing communities spanning from Karim-Lamido, Lau, Ardo-Kola, Gassol, Wukari, to Ibbi Local Government Areas.
“In the light of this, we fervently implore you to propagate this essential information far and wide to ensure that it reaches every corner of our society for the safety and well-being of the citizens.” The government advised.