Benue State, Nigeria's "Food Basket of the Nation," is bracing for a double catastrophe as projections indicate severe flooding in the coming months, compounding the existing crisis of violence and insecurity.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has identified Benue as one of the states at high risk of flooding in its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook. Over 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas in 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are expected to be affected. For Benue residents, particularly those in Makurdi and riverine areas, this news evokes memories of devastating floods in 2012, 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2023 that displaced thousands and destroyed homes and farmlands.
These recurrent floods are largely attributed to the overflowing of the River Benue, water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, blocked waterways, poor drainage systems, and the escalating impacts of climate change. These factors leave communities living near riverbanks in a state of constant anxiety during the rainy season.
The Benue State Government has announced increased preparations to mitigate the impending disaster. Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to be on high alert. Temporary shelters are being prepared, and public awareness campaigns are underway to encourage residents within one kilometer of the River Benue to relocate to safer areas. The government is also collaborating with federal agencies to deploy early warning systems and community-based flood prediction models.
Benue State Commissioner for Water Resource, Environment and Climate Change stated that the state is implementing measures like early warning systems, public sensitization campaigns across all 23 LGAs, community-based flood risk mapping, and drainage and waterway clearance.
Despite these assurances, many residents remain deeply concerned. Mrs. Eunice Akpa, a resident of North Bank, lamented the lack of relocation options and the recurring loss of property. Mrs. Ichalefu Oyiwodu, a farmer in Agatu, expressed fears about the combined threats of flooding and insecurity from armed herdsmen. Mr. Shima Akaa, a fisherman in Makurdi, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for government action to build camps, clear waterways, and provide emergency shelters before the situation worsens.
Elder Godwin Abuul, a community leader in Logo, highlighted the loss of lives due to both attacks and floods, urging the government to act swiftly to open new IDP camps and provide relief materials.
The looming flood threat coincides with an ongoing security crisis in Benue State, where communities have been repeatedly attacked by armed bandits and suspected herdsmen. Dozens of villages in Guma, Logo, Otukpo, Agatu, and Apa local government areas have been affected in the past three months, resulting in numerous deaths and the displacement of thousands.
This simultaneous battle against flood and violence presents a significant humanitarian challenge for the Alia-led administration, requiring a coordinated and comprehensive response to protect vulnerable communities.