Taraba Govt urges residents in riverine communities to relocate

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State Government on Monday issued a warning to residents living in flood-prone river Benue valley Communities to relocate to safer areas.
In a statement by the State Commissioner of Information and Re-orientation, Barr. Zainab Usman Jaling said, encompassing communities spanning from Karim-Lamido, Lau, Ardo-Kola, Gassol, Wukari, to Ibbi Local Government Areas would be affected.
The government in a statement said, “We write to apprise the general populace, and particularly those residing within the environs of the River Benue valley, of a matter of utmost importance. Our intention is to earnestly advice residents to consider relocating to secure locales as a prudent measure against the imminent risk of flooding and its consequential adversities on both human lives and valuable assets.
“This advisory follows the recent release of water from the Lagdo Dam situated along the River Benue in Cameroon. It is important to emphasize that the lengthiest stretch of the Benue River in Nigeria is located within the boundaries of Taraba State. Consequently, it is evident that the impending surge in water levels, resulting from the opening of the dam in Cameroon, will disproportionately impact our region.
“Those most vulnerable to this impending situation are our fellow citizens residing along the Benue River, encompassing communities spanning from Karim-Lamido, Lau, Ardo-Kola, Gassol, Wukari, to Ibbi Local Government Areas.