Nigerian government advises residents to vacate flood-prone areas

Peter Duru in AllAfrica.com via Vanguard (Nigeria): With the noticeable rise in the water levels of River Benue, the state government has urge those living in flood-prone areas to vacate such areas to avert a looming disaster.

The government further cautioned those putting up structures at the river bank to desist in their own interest.

Benue State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Justin Amase, who sounded the warning while fielding questions from journalists in Makurdi, regretted that "despite repeated warnings, people were still putting up structures by the bank of River Benue.

He said: "Others have also gone back to live in homes that are located very close to the river against the advice of experts and the state government.

"People seem to be taking the predictions of another flooding of parts of the state for granted and have refused to adhere to the several warnings and advise of government of an impending flooding of the state...."

The River Benue looking south east from Jimeta/Yola. Shot by Leigh g bowden, public domain