By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Cameroonian authorities have notified their Nigerian counterparts of an impending opening of the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days.
This is contained in a statement dated August 21, 2023 addressed to the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abuja.
The statement was signed by Amb. Umar Z. Salisu Director African Affairs on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Cameroon.
The Cameroonian officials advised NEMA to put in place appropriate, proactive steps and actions to mitigate the damage by sensitising Nigerians.
The statement read in part: “I have the honour to inform that the Ministry is in receipt of a Note Verbale from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead due to the heavy rainfall around the Dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon.
“According to the Note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria
“In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed Agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions.
“Please accept, the assurances of the Permanent Secretary’s highest consideration and warm regards.”
Stonix News recalled that in 2022, the Lagdo Dam was opened with accompanying devastations to farms and buildings across some states in the middle belt down to the South South of Nigeria.
Nigerian authorities claimed that they were not notified of the impending opening of the dam by the Cameroonian authorities.
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