Amid ongoing bloodshed and insecurity, Benue State, the Food Basket of the Nation braces for yet another catastrophe, with deadly floods projected to sweep through the state in the coming months.
The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), recently listed Benue as one of the states expected to suffer severe flooding this year.
According to the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, over 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas in 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are at high risk of flooding, with Benue State prominently featured.
For residents of Benue, particularly in Makurdi and surrounding riverine communities, flooding is a bitter annual ordeal.
The infamous 2012 flood remains one of the worst disasters in the state’s history, displacing over 100,000 residents and submerging homes, farmlands, schools and roads.
In 2017, the nightmare returned, affecting more than 110,000 people in 24 communities. Several smaller but damaging floods followed in 2020, 2022, and 2023, leaving many internally displaced and properties destroyed.
The recurrent floods are largely attributed to the overflowing of River Benue, release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, blocked waterways, poor urban drainage systems and the increasing impact of climate change.
These factors have made the state particularly vulnerable, with residents living near the riverbanks perpetually on edge during the rainy season.
Reacting to this year’s forecast, the Benue State Government has stepped up preparations to mitigate the impending disaster.
Governor Hyacinth Alia assured residents that proactive measures are being taken to minimize potential losses.
“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been directed to remain on high alert.
“Temporary shelters are being prepared, while public awareness campaigns are ongoing to sensitize residents, particularly those within one kilometre of the River Benue, to relocate to safer areas,”; the governor stated.
The government is also collaborating with federal agencies to deploy early warning systems and community-based flood prediction models aimed at providing tailored forecasts to vulnerable communities.
Speaking with DAILY POST, Benue State Commissioner for Water Resource, Environment and Climate Change, said the state was proactively putting in place measures to prevent the loss of life and property and to protect the environment
He said, “Some of these key measures and modalities we are implementing include- early warning system and public awareness.
“We are collaborating closely with the Nigerian hydrological service agency to receive a real time flooding alert.
“We are doing a public sensitization campaign, which presently is ongoing across the 23 LGS in the state, to inform residents in flood prone communities about potential risk and preparedness action, community based flood risk mapping.
“The ministry has conducted a vulnerability assessment to identify high risk areas.
“With support from both national and international partners, we are developing community level flood risk mapping to guide emergency response efforts, drainage and waterway clearance.
“The threat of flooding is real and intensifying due to climate change.”;
However, despite these assurances, many residents remain deeply concerned about what lies ahead.
Mrs Eunice Akpa, a resident of North Bank, said “Every year, they tell us to move, but we have nowhere to go. The flood comes and we lose everything again. Now, with all the killings happening in villages, it’s like nowhere is safe.”;
Similarly, Mrs Ichalefu Oyiwodu, a farmer in Agatu, expressed fears over the dual threats of flood and insecurity.
“This government should be serious this time. The floods will destroy our farms, and if we run to town, it’s the same story of killings and armed herdsmen attacks. We’re caught in the middle.”;
Mr Shima Akaa, a fisherman in Makurdi said, “We are scared because every year, water comes and washes away our farms and houses. With all the killings in villages, we don’t even have where to run to again. The government should not wait until it’s too late this time.
“This flood is not new to us, but it keeps getting worse. The government should start building camps now, not when people are already in water.
“They should help clear blocked waterways and prepare emergency shelters.
“I fear for my family in the village. We don’t even have money to relocate. The government should assist us and stop making empty promises. People are suffering, and we are tired.”
Elder Godwin Abuul, a community leader in Logo also expressed his fears thus: “We’ve lost people to both attacks and floods in this land.
“The government must act fast, especially now that the rains are coming. We don’t want another disaster on top of the insecurity.
“Flood destroyed my yam farm last year, and now they say it will be worse this year. Where do they want us to go? They should open up new IDP camps and provide relief materials early before the waters come.
“We’re not safe from flood, we’re not safe from attackers. Government should act fast and stop waiting for disaster to strike before rushing to help. Our children and old people are the ones who suffer most.”
The unfolding flood threat adds to the weight of the existing security crisis in Benue State, where communities have suffered repeated attacks from armed bandits and suspected herdsmen, resulting in deaths and the displacement of thousands.
In the past three months alone, dozens of villages in Guma, Logo, Otukpo, Agatu and Apa local government areas have come under attack, with scores killed and others forced into makeshift camps.
The simultaneous battle against flood and blood poses a unique humanitarian challenge for the Alia-led administration.
