The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has raised alarms about rising water levels along the River Benue Basin, warning of potential widespread flooding in the area soon.
Data released by the agency on Sunday indicated a steady increase in water levels, approaching critical flood thresholds. Key gauge stations recorded alarming figures: Wuro Boki at 6.36 metres, Jimeta Bridge at 5.04 metres, Ibbi station at 8.2 metres, Makurdi at 9.4 metres, and Lokoja (Niger River) at 8.68 metres.
The rising waters, particularly at Makurdi and Ibbi, have placed the River Benue Basin on high alert. NIHSA has urged immediate preventive measures in states along the river, especially those previously identified as flood-prone.
“The water levels at our critical stations along the River Benue Basin as of Saturday, September 21, 2024, show steady increases towards flood levels,” NIHSA stated. The agency stressed the urgency of improving water conveyance and flood containment to protect vulnerable communities.
Mr. Femi Bejide, Director of Operational Hydrology at NIHSA, urged residents to vacate flood plains immediately. “The flooding we are seeing now is caused by heavy rainfall and precipitation. However, river flooding is about to start, and it will be severe.
Communities in Bayelsa and Jigawa states are particularly vulnerable due to their geography. Authorities have advised against building on flood plains, yet this issue continues to persist.
“We’ve repeatedly told people to move from these areas, but the problem persists,” Bejide added. He also noted that many Nigerians are awaiting government assistance, which has become politicised, complicating response efforts.