Federal Government Alerts Nigerians On Impending Flooding Drom Rivers Niger, Benue

Federal Government Alerts Nigerians On Impending Flooding Drom Rivers Niger, Benue

As Nigeria continues to deal with the aftermath of severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, and other regions, the Federal Government has issued a new alert regarding potential flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers.

During a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted the risk, warning of significant water flow through the rivers down to the Niger Delta. He stressed the importance of heightened vigilance, especially in southern Nigeria, to mitigate the possible effects of upcoming floods.

Utsev attributed the flooding in Maiduguri and Jere, Borno State, to the overflow of the Alau Dam, which received a massive influx of water from the Ngadda River, a key tributary of the River Yedzaram.

Citing the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Utsev explained that Borno, Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, Yobe, Benue, Gombe, and 25 other states have been classified as high-risk areas for flooding.

“The flood in Maiduguri and Jere was primarily caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, located 10 kilometers from Maiduguri, due to large inflows from the Ngadda River, a major tributary of the River Yedzaram. My colleague, Minister of State Bello Goronyo, and I visited the flood-affected areas alongside heads of agencies in our ministry to show solidarity with Borno’s governor and assess the extent of the devastation,” Utsev said.

A team of technical experts from the Ministry of Water Resources, the National Water Resources Institute, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, and the Chad Basin Development Authority is currently on-site at Alau Dam to assess the situation and propose solutions based on their findings.

“As we recover from this disaster, we must be cautious of potential contamination of our water sources to prevent further outbreaks of waterborne diseases,” Utsev warned.

While communities in Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, and other states mourn the losses from the flood, the minister emphasized the need for continued vigilance as water levels on the Niger and Benue rivers rise, signaling a red alert.

Utsev urged proactive efforts to prevent flooding in southern Nigeria.

**FG blames climate change**

The Federal Government attributed the Borno flooding to climate change and extended periods of heavy rainfall. Utsev dismissed earlier reports claiming the Alau Dam had collapsed, explaining that the dam held firm during the flooding. He reiterated that 31 states had been identified as high-risk flood zones in a warning issued earlier in the year.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the flooding, which started on Tuesday, has claimed over 30 lives and displaced more than 400 people. Early reports incorrectly blamed the flooding on the collapse of the Alau Dam in Konduga Local Government Area.

In a statement by the Director of Information at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Funmi Imuetinyan, Utsev announced plans to upgrade the Alau Dam.

“We are fully committed to an overhaul of this crucial infrastructure. The Alau Dam’s upgrade is imperative, and any lapses by contractors or officials will be dealt with. Sanctions will be imposed for delays or subpar work,” Utsev said.

Built in 1986, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 112 million cubic meters and was designed to provide irrigation water and domestic supply for Maiduguri.

**Police recover 11 bodies**

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the recovery of 11 bodies that drowned due to the flood in different parts of the state.

According to a statement from the police, “The joint efforts of CP Yusufu Mohammed Lawal and officers are actively addressing the flood disaster in Maiduguri. Unfortunately, 11 decomposed bodies have been recovered from areas like Lamisula, Jere, GRA, Bulabulin, and Dandal between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on September 11 and 12, 2024.”

**Islamic council urges prevention**

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) called on the government to take action to prevent future floods. Deputy Secretary-General Prof. Salisu Shehu urged the full deployment of emergency management agencies and the Northeast Development Commission to handle the current crisis and alleviate the suffering of affected residents.

**NESREA warns**

Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), emphasized the need for facilities to comply with environmental laws to prevent future flooding. He noted that 75 non-compliant facilities have been shut down this year, and enforcement will continue.

**FG dredges Ogun River**

On Friday, the Federal Government began dredging the Ogun River from Isheri to Ikorodu, Lagos State, to prevent frequent flooding along the axis. Deji Ashiru, Managing Director of the Ogun/Osun River Basin Development Authority, said the project would deepen and widen the river to accommodate more water and control flooding.

Ashiru clarified that flooding in Isheri has often been wrongly blamed on the Oyan Dam, while the 52 tributaries to the Ogun River are major contributors to the rising water levels.