The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged the Benue State Government to strengthen its preparedness and coordination in response to flooding caused by heavy rainfall. NEMA's Director-General, Zubaida Umar, gave the advice during a full-scale flood response simulation exercise in Makurdi, which involved various emergency management stakeholders. The exercise aimed to test the response system and identify areas for improvement.
Benue State remains vulnerable to flooding due to its topography, extensive river systems, and floodplains, as well as seasonal rainfall and settlements along the River Benue and its tributaries. The 2026 flood outlook highlights the need for sustained preparedness, effective early warning systems, and coordinated responses. NEMA's director of search and rescue, Usman Bature, represented Umar at the exercise and emphasized the importance of timely evacuation of residents in vulnerable communities.
The simulation exercise, code-named "Uwar Uma," was conducted by NEMA in collaboration with the Benue State Government and other stakeholders. The exercise followed stakeholder training and community engagement designed to improve understanding of roles, strengthen emergency response capacities, and sensitize communities to flood risks and evacuation procedures. Various agencies participated, including the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Defence Headquarters, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
The Federal Ministry of Environment had warned that several communities in Benue could experience flooding between August 15 and 28. The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre classified some areas as critical or high-risk, including Agatu, Buruku, Guma, and Makurdi. The centre advised communities in critical-risk areas to maintain immediate flood watch, verify evacuation routes, and protect vulnerable households and essential assets.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, pledged the state government's support for flood preparedness efforts. He noted that Benue's location along the River Benue exposed many communities to recurring flooding and emphasized the need for sustained preparedness, effective coordination, and prompt response. Alia also reaffirmed the state government's commitment to working with NEMA on the implementation of the Rehabilitation Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflicts.
The simulation exercise tested the response system, which is designed to allow assistance to begin at the community level before progressively bringing in additional capacity from local, state, and federal authorities as emergencies escalate. NEMA assured the Benue Government and other stakeholders that it would continue to support efforts to strengthen preparedness, reduce vulnerabilities, and improve the capacity to save lives and protect livelihoods.
The exercise was supported by various international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the World Bank. Key points from the exercise include the need for sustained preparedness, effective early warning systems, and coordinated responses to flooding in Benue State.
Key points
- NEMA urges Benue State Government to strengthen flood preparedness amid heavy rainfall.
- Benue State remains vulnerable to flooding due to its topography and seasonal rainfall.
- The simulation exercise aimed to test and improve the response system to flooding in Benue State.
