Benue State, widely regarded as Nigeria’s Food Basket, is grappling with compounding threats—rising insecurity and imminent flooding—that pose serious humanitarian and agricultural concerns.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has named Benue among the 30 states likely to experience severe flooding this year, according to its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook. With over 1,249 communities across 176 LGAs in danger—including Makurdi and surrounding riverine areas—residents are bracing for impact.

Flooding is not new to Benue. The 2012 deluge remains one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s history, displacing over 100,000 people. Similar events in 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2023 have resulted in repeated displacements, ruined farmlands, and destroyed properties.

Experts attribute the recurring floods to several factors: the overflow of River Benue, release of water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, blocked waterways, poor drainage infrastructure, and the growing impact of climate change. These challenges continue to put riverside communities on constant alert during rainy seasons.

In response, Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to heighten readiness efforts. Measures include preparing temporary shelters, running awareness campaigns, and encouraging residents within one kilometre of the river to evacuate to safer zones. Additionally, the state is working with federal agencies to implement early warning systems and develop localized flood prediction models.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change emphasized the proactive steps being taken, including flood vulnerability assessments, public sensitization in all 23 LGAs, and community-level risk mapping—supported by both national and international partners.

Despite these preparations, fear and uncertainty remain widespread among residents. Eunice Akpa from North Bank voiced her frustration, noting, “We are told to move every year, but we have nowhere else to go.” Similarly, Agatu-based farmer Mrs. Ichalefu Oyiwodu lamented the lack of safety, either from flood or violent attacks.

Fisherman Shima Akaa in Makurdi echoed these concerns: “Every year the flood returns stronger, yet nothing concrete is done. Government should act now, not when people are already submerged.”

Elder Godwin Abuul, a community leader from Logo, highlighted the double crisis of flood and armed attacks: “We’ve lost lives to both disasters. Government must act swiftly—our lives, farms, and children are all at risk.”

These fears are not unfounded. Over the past three months, several local government areas—Guma, Logo, Otukpo, Agatu, and Apa—have witnessed deadly attacks by armed groups, leaving many dead and thousands displaced.

As the rainy season approaches, Benue faces an overwhelming challenge. The convergence of natural disaster and human conflict presents a major test for Governor Alia’s administration and a call to action for national emergency and security agencies.