States at risk from the Lagdo Dam release are preparing temporary shelters and flood response measures. Authorities in Nasarawa, Benue, and Taraba are establishing shelters, running awareness campaigns, and deploying resources. Kwara is improving drainage and advising relocations, while Borno is managing post-flood recovery.

Following the planned release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon into the River Niger and River Benue, states along the potential flood path have begun preparing temporary shelters for residents who may be affected.

On Tuesday, the Federal Government of Nigeria issued a warning about this plan, which was announced by the Cameroonian authorities. Umar Muhammed, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, identified 11 states at risk of flooding: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers.

In response, Danladi Obagu, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics for the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, informed The PUNCH on Wednesday that the state has started establishing temporary settlements for residents in flood-prone areas. Sensitization campaigns are also underway across the 13 local government areas of the state to educate residents about flood risks.

Obagu noted, “In preparation for the impending flood, we are setting up venues for temporary shelters in flood-prone areas throughout the state.” He mentioned that officials have been deployed to Nasarawa, Toto, Doma, Awe, Lafia, Obi, Karu, and Akwanga councils, where flooding is expected. Additionally, efforts are being made to provide relief materials to displaced persons once the flood arrives to mitigate the hardship they may face.

In Benue State, Aondowase Kunde, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, told The PUNCH on Wednesday that the government has begun identifying facilities to serve as temporary shelters for flood victims. The state has formed a technical committee for flood disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response. Eighteen local government areas, including Makurdi, Guma, Gwer West, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Agatu, and Apa, have been identified as high-risk areas. The committee has designated several camps, such as the International Market and LGEA Primary Schools in Makurdi, Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala, and RCM Primary School in Logo, to accommodate displaced individuals.

In Taraba State, the government has put both the State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency on high alert. Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Saviour Noku, revealed in a telephone interview that awareness campaigns are being conducted via radio and social media to inform residents of the potential dangers. Three speedboats have been deployed for emergency evacuations and swift responses in isolated areas. The government has also issued advisories urging residents in flood plains to relocate to safer areas before the dam's release.

The Kwara State government, through a statement by Commissioner for Communication Bola Olukoju, reported that various public enlightenment programs on flooding and mitigation are ongoing, including through radio and community leaders. The government has desilted many drains and water passages within the metropolis and has advised riverine communities like Patigi and Edu to move to designated safe areas. The government has called for dredging of the River Niger to address long-term flooding issues. The Nigeria Meteorological Agency has listed Patigi, Edu, Moro, Kaiama, and Ilorin East Local Government Areas as flood-prone.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command has issued post-flood guidelines to manage the aftermath of recent flooding in Maiduguri. Supervising Police Public Relations Officer North-East, Ahmed Wakil, stated that the command is working with relevant agencies to maintain law and order, ensure public safety, prevent criminal activities, and facilitate the rescue of affected individuals. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, avoid entering flooded areas to prevent water-borne diseases and accidents, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with emergency responders and humanitarian aid workers. The command also advised validating information before dissemination to avoid spreading misinformation.