Contrary to the reports circulating in the media, of the release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has clarified differently.
It said the Cameroonian authorities have not released water from the Lagdo Dam as speculated.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, who confirmed the development in a statement issued late on Monday, said the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, had direct communication with the Lagdo Dam Manager, Mr. Ahmad Bivoung, who confirmed that the dam is currently at a low level of 2.06 meters and no water has been released.
He said the Ministry is currently maintaining constant communication with Cameroonian authorities and assured the public that any official release of water would be promptly communicated.
The Minister urged the public to disregard false reports and remain calm, while continuing to observe flood safety and preparedness measures earlier issued.
Prof. Utsev also advised communities receiving early warning signals particularly in Lokoja (Kogi State), Wurobokki (Adamawa State), and Makurdi (Benue State) to maintain early warning signals and consult the NIHSA Flood Dashboard for reliable, up-to-date information.
The Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to flood management and water infrastructure development along the Benue Trough includes; the proactive reservoir operations of existing dams on the tributaries of River Benue to prevent panic releases, the completion of the study and design for Datsin Hausa dam in Adamawa State and engagement of a Transaction Adviser to facilitate its construction under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
In addition, the Kashimbila Dam in Taraba State is beingutilized for flood control, while the upgrade of the Wannune Dam and the studyand design of the Dura Dam in Benue State have reached an advanced stage
