As a result of the potential for flooding brought on by Cameroonian authorities releasing regulated amounts of water into the River Niger from the Lagdo Dam, the EDO State Government has urged inhabitants in lowland and riverine parts of the state to exercise caution and migrate to higher ground.
These communities include Agenebode in the Etsako East Local Government Area (LGA), Anegbete in the Etsako Central LGA, Illushi in the Esan South East LGA, as well as other riverine areas in the Ikpoba Okha LGA, Ovia North-East LGA, and Ovia South-West LGA.
Yesterday in Benin, Chris Nehikhare, the commissioner for communication and orientation, released the following statement: “Edo State Government has been informed that the authorities of LAGDO DAM of the Republic of Cameroon would be releasing modulated amounts of water into River Benue due to flooding caused by incessant torrential rain.
Residents of lowlands and riverine areas, such as those in Agenebode, Anegbete, and Ilullshi in the local government areas of Etsako East, Etsako Central, and Esan South East, respectively, are hereby advised to exercise caution and seek higher plains.
“Areas in Ikpoba Okha, Ovia North-East, and Ovia South-West have also been placed on alert.
The Edo State Government will help people who have been forced out of their homes due to the Benue River’s overflow by offering assistance.
“Because we are aware that this is going to occur, we had to act quickly to make sure that our internally displaced person (IDP) camps are in good condition and the residents are properly informed and sensitised.”
