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Tag: Benue River

  • Six drowned as boat capsizes in Benue River

    Six drowned as boat capsizes in Benue River

    Six people, mostly students, have drowned after a boat capsized at the Buruku River crossing point in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

    The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, prompting an emergency response from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to strengthen safety measures across riverine communities dependent on water transport.

    During a sympathy visit and on-the-spot assessment on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, officials outlined plans to improve the protection of lives and property at the Buruku crossing point and similar locations across the state.

    Speaking on behalf of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Dennis Iyaighgba, said the visit was aimed at consoling the families of the victims and assessing the situation firsthand. He described the incident as deeply tragic and assured residents that concrete steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence.

    Read Also: FG warns of imminent Niger, Benue River flooding, urges states to prepare

    According to him, the joint intervention by BSEMA and the Ministry followed the governor’s directive to conduct a fact-finding mission and submit a comprehensive report for immediate action.

    He added that safety protocols would be fully enforced, including strict adherence to ferry operation regulations and the compulsory use of safety equipment.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of BSEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, represented by the Programme Manager for IDPs Operations, Mr. Orseer Gaius Zege, described the incident as unfortunate and pledged stronger regulatory and institutional oversight to ensure ferry operators and passengers comply with safety standards, particularly the mandatory use of life jackets.

    In his remarks, the District Head of Binev, Chief Dennis Nyitse Hagh, commended Governor Alia for demonstrating solidarity with the affected families and taking proactive steps to safeguard residents who rely on water transportation.

    A minute of silence was observed in honour of the six victims. The delegation included the Director General of the Bureau for Homeland Security, Retired Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan; the Special Adviser on Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Paul Bebe; and other government officials.

  • FG warns of imminent Niger, Benue River flooding, urges states to prepare

    FG warns of imminent Niger, Benue River flooding, urges states to prepare

    The federal government has issued a warning about impending river flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers, urging states to prepare for increased flood risks as water levels near critical levels.

    Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, gave the warning during a press briefing following recent devastating floods in Maiduguri and Jere, Borno State.

    The floods, which displaced millions and destroyed homes, farmlands, and essential infrastructure, were triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam due to heavy inflows from the Ngadda River.

    While expressing sympathy for the affected people of Borno, the minister emphasized that the government’s efforts extend beyond recovery, focusing on preventing a broader disaster.

    He said: “The attention of Nigerians is hereby drawn to the probable river flooding on rivers Niger and Benue and some of their tributaries. The daily flow on these rivers indicates a significant increase in flow levels tending towards RED alert.

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    “This warning means that a large volume of water is moving through our rivers down to the delta region. Therefore, we should increase vigilance on all ramifications and step up proactive measures to address any eventual flooding events in the southern part of the country.”

    Utsev revealed that teams from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) are currently on-site in Maiduguri assessing the damage caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam. Their findings will guide recovery efforts, but the government’s priority now is to prevent further devastation across the country.

    Prof. Utsev noted that this year’s Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), released in April, had already identified 31 states, including Borno, Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, and Yobe, as high-risk areas for flooding. He emphasized the need for local authorities to heed early warnings and activate response measures immediately.

    In a proactive step to address Nigeria’s ongoing flood challenges, the minister highlighted the work of the Presidential Committee on the Development of a Strategic Plan for Preventing Flood Disasters.

    As part of its recommendations, President Bola Tinubu approved ₦108 billion to be distributed to all 36 states to tackle recurring floods. The strategic plan outlines actions to be taken before, during, and after flood events, with clear roles assigned to agencies and stakeholders.

    “As we work to recover from this disaster, let us also remember that our water sources may be contaminated. I urge everyone to take necessary precautions to avoid the outbreak of waterborne diseases,” the minister warned.

    The minister maintained that while relief efforts continue for those affected by the current floods, the nation must remain on high alert to prevent a potentially larger catastrophe.

    “As we try to recover from this tragedy, I wish to implore all governments at the sub-national level and stakeholders to take heed to the flood early warning information from the Ministry and take proactive measures to forestall future flooding and activate response measures to alleviate the suffering of the citizens that have been affected by floods.” He stated.