The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a strong warning to residents living along the banks of the River Niger in Edo State to immediately relocate to safer, higher ground, following a significant rise in water levels.
This warning was given by the Head of NEMA’s Benin Operation Office, Mr. Kenoma Ojuederie, during the celebration of Customers Week held in Benin City. He said the alert was necessary due to water being released from several dams, which is expected to cause flooding in low-lying areas in the coming days.
“From now on, we are expecting the flood because water has been released from some dams, and floods are going to come. So, as part of measures to avoid casualties, I advise the residents to move to higher ground,” Ojuederie said.
He explained that NEMA had earlier conducted sensitisation and awareness campaigns in flood-prone communities across the state, urging residents to prepare ahead of the potential disaster. However, with the flood threat becoming more imminent, the agency is calling for immediate action to avoid loss of lives and properties.
He further advised that residents living close to the river should move into designated internally displaced persons (IDP) camps already set up by the state government, assuring that necessary support and welfare packages would be provided at the camps.
“The state government is fully prepared to cater for those in the camps. This relocation is temporary, but it is necessary for safety,” he added.
Also speaking during the event, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Jerry Idahosa, confirmed the rising water levels but assured that the situation is still under control.
“There is no cause for alarm yet, but we are not taking any chances. The water is already rising, and we are closely monitoring the situation,” Idahosa said.
He revealed that the state had already activated its local emergency management committees in flood-prone areas and placed them on red alert. Plans are also in place for a swift evacuation if the situation worsens.
“We have put measures on the ground to carry out the evacuation of people to the camp when the need arises. Our emergency response team is already on standby,” he added.
Flooding has become a recurring problem in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season. Communities near the River Niger and Benue are often the worst hit, with thousands displaced every year due to overflowing rivers, dam releases, and heavy rainfall.
In 2022, several states, including Kogi, Anambra, and Rivers, experienced some of the worst floods in over a decade, leading to hundreds of deaths and large-scale destruction of homes and farmland. Edo State has also seen its fair share of flooding, especially in riverine areas.
This year, authorities have repeatedly warned about the likelihood of heavy flooding due to above-normal rainfall and dam discharges from neighboring countries. NEMA and SEMA are urging citizens not to wait until the flood arrives before taking action.
The agencies are also calling on community leaders, traditional rulers, and local governments to help spread the warning and ensure that vulnerable residents are moved to safety early enough.
As the rainy season reaches its peak, both federal and state emergency officials say they will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary, while promising to support displaced persons throughout the emergency period.
