FG orders residents to relocate from flood-prone River Benue, Niger areas

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent flood warning to communities along Rivers Benue and Niger, following significant rises in water levels occasioned by continuous rainfall.
 
Its Director General, Umar Mohammed, in a statement yesterday, urged residents near the river
anks to relocate, as water levels in both rivers had reached critical points.
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He said the water gauge data from key stations such as Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi showed consistently high levels, exceeding nine metres between October 9 and October 15.

Mohammed warned: “The map shows critical flood-prone zones across Nigeria, particularly around stations along the River Benue and River Niger.

“Makurdi, in particular, has recorded dangerously high-water levels, with Lokoja and other stations also nearing flood thresholds.”

The DG said the management of Kainji and Jebba dams was closely monitoring and controlling water releases to prevent downstream flooding along the Niger.

Mohammed called for full cooperation with emergency response agencies, and advised citizens to move to safer areas to avoid adverse effects as the rainfall subsists.