The National Emergency Management Agency has urged the Benue State Government to strengthen flood preparedness, early warning systems and evacuation arrangements as rainfall continues across the state.
NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, gave the advice during a full-scale flood response simulation exercise in Makurdi, where emergency agencies tested their readiness for potential flooding.
Represented by the agency’s Director of Search and Rescue, Usman Bature, Umar said Benue’s network of rivers and floodplains, particularly communities along the River Benue and its tributaries, leaves several parts of the state vulnerable to flooding.
She said the exercise was designed to test how quickly authorities could translate early warnings into community action, evacuation, coordinated response and, where necessary, federal intervention.
“This exercise is not merely a demonstration of equipment or procedures. It is an opportunity to test, under realistic conditions, how quickly and effectively we can move from early warning to community action, local coordination, state-level response and, where necessary, federal support,” Umar said.
The NEMA chief stressed that emergency response should start at the community level, with local, state and federal authorities providing additional assistance as the scale of a disaster increases.
The exercise followed a flood alert issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment for parts of Benue between August 15 and 28.
The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre had identified Agatu, Buruku, Guma, Igumale, Logo and Makurdi among locations facing critical flood risks, while other communities were placed in the high-risk category.
NEMA urged residents in vulnerable areas to monitor official flood alerts, identify evacuation routes and secure essential belongings ahead of possible flooding.
Residents were also advised to stay away from floodplains, riverbanks and other areas exposed to rising water as authorities continue preparations under the 2026 flood outlook.
Flood: NEMA urges Benue to strengthen early warning, evacuation plans
