The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has issued an urgent warning to residents living within one kilometer of the River Benue to relocate immediately to avoid a looming flood disaster.
The alert follows predictions from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which forecast a five-day rainfall that could trigger severe flooding in the state.
SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, announced in a statement released on Friday in Makurdi, urging residents in high-risk areas to take precautionary measures. The affected areas include Udoma, Ugbokpo, Ugbokolo, Ukpiam, Otobi, Otukpo, Mbapa Makurdi, Gbajimba, Gogo, and Abinsi.
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Iorpuu emphasized the importance of adhering to the warning, assuring the public that SEMA, with support from Governor Hyacinth Alia, will ensure that disaster-affected citizens are provided for.
Designated Relocation Camps Announced
The SEMA chief also listed designated camps where at-risk residents can seek shelter:
- Makurdi: Kanshio, Logo 1 & 2, Achussa, Judges Quarters, and areas around BSU should move to the Makurdi International Market along George Akume Road.
- Wurukum: Residents of Kucha Utebe, Brewery, Gyado Villa, Mu, and Wurukum are advised to relocate to LGEA Primary School, Wurukum (popularly known as “Suswam Thank You”).
- Wadata: Residents of Rice Mill, Agboughu, Tionsha, and Wadata should move to NKST Primary School, Wadata.
- North Bank: Residents should relocate to Saint Mary’s Catholic Primary School.
- Abinsi and Gbajimba: Relocate to LGEA Primary School, Abinsi, and Government Secondary School, Gbajimba, respectively.
- Otukpo and Agatu: Otukpo residents should move to Saint Francis premises, while those in Agatu are urged to relocate to Oweto.
- Ugbokolo, Ogbokpo, Mbapa, and Uikpam: Residents should seek higher ground nearby where they can be reached by SEMA teams.
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The warning comes as part of the agency’s efforts to prompt proactive measures and mitigate the impacts of both human-induced and natural disasters in the state.