11 states Received Alerts Over planned Release Of lagdo dam By Cameroon

By shonibare Timileyin

The Federal Government on Tuesday alerted Nigerians to the water release from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

The FG made this known in a press statement signed by the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Muhammed.

The statement noted that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon will initiate controlled water releases starting from Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

It said the water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency wishes to notify the general public that the authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have communicated to the agency that they will initiate controlled water releases at a rate of 100m³/s (8,640,000m³/day) starting today, 17 September 2023.

“The water discharge is anticipated to progressively escalate to 1000m³/s over the next seven days based on the inflow from the upstream Garoua River, which serves as the primary source into the reservoir and a significant tributary to the Benue River.

“Nonetheless, the dam operators have indicated that the planned water discharges will be gradual to avoid surpassing the conveyance capacity of the Benue river system and triggering substantial flooding downstream in Nigeria. The overflow from the Lagdo Dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the Lagdo reservoir,” the statement read in part.

The agency, however, said there was no cause for alarm.

“The agency unequivocally states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits.

“Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance for all states bordering the Benue River system, namely: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers, along with the government at all levels (federal, state, and LGAs) to heighten their vigilance and implement appropriate preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding impacts that may arise due to an increase in flow levels of our major rivers during this period.

“The agency will continue to diligently monitor the flow conditions of the transboundary Benue River and the national inland rivers, and consistently provide regular updates on water levels across major rivers to prevent further flood disasters,” it added.

The dam is located in the Northern Province of Cameroon, on the Benue River, in the Niger basin. The lake covers an area of 586

The release of water from Lagdo Dam has long been a cause for concern for many in Nigeria as it affects many states because it serves as the entry point of River Benue.

Last week, there was a devastating flood in Borno State which killed over 30 persons and affected over a million citizens in the state.

Third mainland bridge vandal arrested by the police

By shonibare Timileyin

Operatives of the Onikan Division of Lagos Police Command have arrested one Suspect, Yakubu Yusuf, for vandalising a segment of the Third Mainland Bridge railings.

This was disclosed in a statement on by the Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday.

According to the statement, Yusuf was arrested following information received by the division on the activities of some vandals operating along the Old School of Nursing area of the Third Mainland Bridge.

The statement reads, “Officers of Onikan Division after receiving information of the activities of some vandals who were vandalizing the railings of the bridge by Old School of Nursing inward Third Mainland Bridge, arrested one Yakubu Yusuf ‘m’ aged 28 and twenty one (21) long pieces of aluminum railings were recovered.”

The statement revealed investigation is ongoing to arrest other suspects

It added, “Investigation is on to arrest other fleeing suspects.”

Dantata visits Maiduguri, donates ₦1.5bn to flood victims

Elder stateman and business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has donated N1.5 billion to victims of the flood which ravaged parts of Maiduguri, Borno state capital.

Dantata made the donation when he led a delegation from Kano to Government House, Maiduguri, on Tuesday.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to Governor Babagana Zulum, the government and the people of the state, especially those who lost their beloved ones to the flood.

Dantata, 96, who lamented how the deterioration of the economy in the country, urged the elites and political leaders to repent and fear Allah in their dealing.

He also prayed for the peace and harmony of the Borno State and Nigeria at large.

Responding, Governor Zulum expressed heartfelt gratitude for Elder Stateman for his compassionate visit, acknowledging that its serves as a powerful beacon of hope and solidarity during the trying times.

“The people of Borno deeply appreciate this show of humanity by a 96-year-old to visit us. Let me say it, Our Baba has donated the sum of N1.5 billion to support the flood victims. May Allah bless and reward you with Aljannah. Mu gode, Baba,” Zulum said.

The development comes after Dantata’s nephew, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, also made a N1 billion donation to the flood victims.