Gone are the days when we learn from our mistakes, in today’s Nigeria, it is safer to learn from the mistakes of others.
If the Federal Government of Nigeria does not spring into quick action, the tragedy that struck the people of Borno State may perhaps just be the tip of the iceberg compared to what may befall states like Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers in the coming days.
You see, just days ago, water from overflowing Alau Dam killed over 30 persons and swept away thousands of homes in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State.
If only the Federal Government had taken immediate action when reports that the dam would be opened emerged, perhaps they would have been able to save some lives.
Now, as we speak, the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), on Thursday, said water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, has been released into River Niger and River Benue in Nigeria’s North Central.
The Warning
States like Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers are now exposed to high risk of flooding.
NIHSA Director General, Umar Mohammed, featured on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief breakfast programme on Thursday.
There, Mohammed warned Nigerians resident in floodplains to relocate immediately to safe spaces in anticipation of attendant floods that annually come with the release of water from the Lagdo Dam.
Indeed, Nigerians have a role to play to prevent flooding as previous release of water from the Lagdo Dam has caused constant flooding in Nigeria.
However, many are calling on the Federal Government to help people in these areas.
Federal Government In The Mix
There are a few reasons people are holding on the the government.
Of course, the hardship in the country is top on the list.
Many people are finding it very difficult to feed or even afford their current house rent.
Now, imagine relocating to a new place.
The solution is simple.
Well, the government may not need to do much, but just a little relief to Nigerians will be appreciated.
First, the federal government should consider building more IDP camps in states that are often affected by the flood during this time.
The camps must be located in areas that are not prone to the effects of the dams.
These camps should be comfortable enough for people to live in, at least, for some period of time.
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Once the dam returns to normal, these persons can go back to their homes.
Since this occurrence happens every year, these camps will always be useful in these states.
Secondly, the government should provide teachers in these IDP camps.
This will help ensure that children still have access to education even during the crisis.
And of course, feeding should not be added to the problems these residents are dealing with.
The Federal government has to collaborate with the state government to bring this relief support.
This little relief will help ease the pain residents may have to endure during this period.
