The Benue State Government has advised residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations as a precautionary measure following a flood alert issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
This directive comes in response to NiMet’s recent warning that identified Benue as one of the states at risk of flooding in the upcoming months.
Dr. James Iorpuu, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, announced the order during the distribution of food and non-food relief items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups, which includes 18,592 individuals from 4,648 households affected by renewed attacks on farming communities.
Among those displaced are 8,650 women, 4,147 men, 5,795 children, 325 pregnant women, 637 breastfeeding mothers, 2,315 persons with disabilities, and 571 elderly individuals currently taking refuge at NKST Primary School and Calvin Foundation College in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-West local government area.
Dr. Iorpuu, represented by Dr. Donald Komgbenda, the Director of Administration and Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), stated that the distribution of relief items began on Monday at Mbayongo mega camp and Apa LG, reinforcing the government’s commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by the displaced population.
He praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for his dedication and proactive measures in addressing the security challenges in the state. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive actions, including directing the Chief of Army Staff to relocate to Benue.
Dr. Iorpuu reiterated the flood warning and urged residents in flood-prone areas to prepare early and move to higher ground. He assured that the agency will continue to raise public awareness and implement contingency plans for emergencies.
Furthermore, he called on partners, stakeholders, and the general public to support efforts aimed at providing relief and dignity to the displaced population, emphasizing the importance of working together until peace is restored, allowing displaced individuals to return to their homes.
