The government of Benue State has initiated steps to address potential flooding as the opening of the Lagdo Dam by authorities in Cameroon is imminent. This assurance was provided by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) over the weekend in Makurdi. Terna Ager, the information officer for BSEMA, stated that the state government is currently waiting for guidance from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. He noted that the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev rejected the claim that Cameroon had started releasing water from its dam. He stated, “The Minister of Water Resources has indicated that we should disregard the report claiming that Cameroon has let water flow from the Lagdo Dam. Therefore, we have no confirmation that Cameroon has released water from its dam.” However, the government is not becoming complacent and is proactive about potential issues. “We have started raising awareness through radio jingles in the state to inform the public about the risk of flooding.” Ager also mentioned that stakeholders will convene to discuss any flooding-related concerns. “The aim of the gathering is to prepare our community for potential flooding and to lessen its impacts.”
