Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam release sparks flood concerns in Nigeria along River Benue

In the wake of the impending release of significant water volumes from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, states situated along the course of the River Benue in Nigeria are bracing themselves for potential flood disasters within their jurisdictions.

To avert loss of life and other calamities linked with floods, the states identified as at risk have advised residents of flood-prone regions to evacuate these communities.

Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have highlighted that approximately 11 states, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Cross River, are likely to bear the adverse effects stemming from the dam’s release.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State also expressed his sympathies with the Nigerian Army and the Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state following the loss of Major Segun Abiodun Oni, who tragically died on August 13, 2023, along with other soldiers during a military operation against banditry in Niger State.

Cameroon’s intent to open the Lagdo Dam was conveyed to the Nigerian Federal Government. A letter dated August 21, 2023, from the African Affairs Director of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Umar Salisu, notified Nigeria that due to heavy rainfall in the dam’s catchment area, floodgates would soon be opened. It was stressed that the release of water would be gradual to mitigate any damage along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and Nigeria.

However, both NEMA and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency have assured that there is currently no cause for panic. The agencies have reached out to the governors of the states in the potential flood path to facilitate proactive measures, including monitoring flood-prone areas and evacuating residents as needed.

The dam, located south of Garoua on the Benue River, is known to discharge substantial water when it overflows, causing flooding downstream in Nigerian states along the river’s route.

To address this imminent threat, various states have initiated measures such as demolishing structures along waterways and designating schools as shelters for internally displaced persons. Sensitization campaigns are also being conducted to raise awareness and encourage swift action.