He stated that in view of warnings from relevant authorities regarding the impending flood, there is a need for residents living within the river banks to relocate to safer areas to avoid being affected by the disaster.

Odoh Ugwu, the Benue State Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate, has asked residents living at the bank of River Benue to move to safer areas because of the plans by Cameroon to open Lagdo dam.

Ugwu gave this advice during his familarisation visit to the Greater Makurdi Water Works on the bank among other areas shortly after assuming office as commissioner.

He stated that in view of warnings from relevant authorities regarding the impending flood, there is need for residents living within the river banks to relocate to safer areas to avoid being affected by the disaster.

Ugwu added that the ministry is putting in place strategies that will mitigate the impact of the flood through opening up of drainage channels that have blocked waterways.

He said this will allow the free flow of water, adding that government is committed to improving sanitation in the state.

It could be recalled that National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and other relevant authorities had warned the affected states, including Benue about the release of water from the Cameron’s Lagdo dam this year.