The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has alerted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over plans by the Cameroonian government to open the flood gate of Lagdo Dam, on the Benue River.
According to the Cameroonian government, the decision to open the Lagdo Dam was to reduce the level of water caused by the persistent rain in Cameroon.
This was contained in a letter made available on Sunday and signed by Umar Salisu, Director, African Affairs, and addressed to the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
According to Salisu, the Cameroonian authorities will be releasing “only modulated variable small amount of water at a time”.
He also urged NEMA to take “necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage a well as sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions.”
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“it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of lagdo dam will be releasing on modulated variable mall amount of water at a time, in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin both Cameroon and in Nigeria.
“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.”
The Ministry also urged residents of the affected areas to remain calm and to follow the instructions of the authorities.
