Lagdo Dam: We’ve taken proactive measures to mitigate risk – Alia

Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia on Thursday declared that his administration has taken proactive steps to mitigate the impact of the release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam into Nigeria.

This came as the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, has urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations immediately.

Alia who spoke with newsmen after he met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, dispelled concerns about the state’s preparedness for possible floods, a recurring issue in the state.

“The state is not thinking solution but well prepared to mitigate risk,” Fr Alia said, just as he highlighted the administration’s focus on preventive measures rather than reactive planning.

He clarified that rather than merely contemplating actions, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is fully equipped to handle any flood-related challenges.

The governor also disclosed ongoing discussions about dredging the River Benue and exploring various options before seeking federal government support.

He said “I didn’t say we are thinking on what to do when the floods come we are not thinking we are prepared we are creating awareness to all our people why maybe why you mentioned that is the fact that I had said the river requires dredging.

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“So, before the dredging there a number of things on the table , exploring to see which of the best options before the federal government comes in to support us.

“So, for the record we’re not just waiting, we have an emergency management team. They are have the capacity to take charge of all these and they are already quite armed. We pray that the flood doesn’t come in but if it does you know we are definitely equal to the task.”

Alia acknowledged the persistent issue of residents living in flood-prone areas along waterways, just as he outlined a two-pronged approach of appealing to these individuals while also emphasizing the risks associated with their choices.

“When you find such people, what do you do? You appeal to them, and if it doesn’t work by appeal, when it happens to them, then risk,” Alia explained.

On the recent Supreme Court decision on local government autonomy, Governor Alia dismissed the allegations of candidate imposition in the forthcoming local government elections.

The Governor defended the nomination process, describing it as transparent and inclusive. “What we did was to engage in a direct process,” he explained, stating that hardworking APC members were supported for nominations.