BENUE-SEMA LAUNCHES EARLY WARNING CAMPAIGN IN MAKURDI COMMUNITY

As the rainy season intensifies across Nigeria, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) have launched a grassroots sensitization and early warning campaign aimed at reducing the impact of flooding in vulnerable communities.

The campaign was carried out in Bambam community, located behind Modern Market in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The initiative followed the 2026 flood predictions and weather forecasts released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which identified several communities across the country as being vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season.

To strengthen preparedness and reduce possible disaster risks, both agencies jointly deployed emergency response and awareness teams to the area to engage directly with residents and community leaders.

NEMA and Benue-SEMA Take Early Action Against Flooding

The sensitization exercise took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the residence of the community leader, Mr. Zaki Alfred Ankon, where residents gathered to receive flood awareness and safety information from officials of the two agencies.

Representing the agencies during the exercise were Felix Adua, a Search and Rescue Officer with NEMA, and Tema Ager, Information Officer of Benue-SEMA. The officials warned residents about the looming flood threat and stressed the importance of taking immediate preventive measures before heavy rainfall peaks across the state.

The campaign focused not only on awareness but also on practical steps residents can adopt to protect their homes, businesses, and families from flood disasters.

Residents Encouraged to Keep Drainages Clear

During the engagement, residents were strongly advised to regularly clear drainage channels, gutters, and waterways to ensure the free flow of water during rainfall.

Officials explained that blocked drainage systems remain one of the leading causes of flooding in many urban and semi-urban communities. They also cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into gutters and water channels, noting that poor environmental sanitation contributes significantly to flood incidents.

The agencies further urged community members to avoid building structures or settling in low-lying and flood-prone areas. According to them, proactive environmental management and community cooperation remain critical in reducing the devastating effects of flooding.

Benue-SEMA Intensifies Community Sensitization Efforts

Speaking during the exercise, the Head of Information Unit of Benue-SEMA, Tema Ager, said the Agency has intensified grassroots sensitization campaigns across flood-prone communities in the state under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, PhD.

He stated that early warning campaigns are necessary to help communities prepare ahead of time rather than responding only after disasters occur.

According to him, the Agency remains committed to strengthening public awareness, disaster preparedness, and community resilience through continuous engagement with residents in vulnerable areas.

He further emphasized that flooding can be greatly reduced when residents cooperate with emergency management authorities and follow safety advisories issued during the rainy season.

Community Leader Calls for Government Intervention

Responding on behalf of the Bambam community, the community leader, Mr. Zaki Alfred Ankon, commended both NEMA and Benue-SEMA for bringing the awareness campaign directly to the people.

He described the sensitization exercise as timely and important, especially for communities that experience recurring flooding challenges every rainy season.

Mr. Ankon also appealed to the Benue State Government to urgently intervene by opening blocked access roads within the community and extending the drainage canal from the Idye Basin to the Bambam Basin.

According to him, these interventions would help improve water flow and reduce the persistent flooding problems affecting residents in the area.

Distribution of Flood Safety Materials

As part of the campaign, flood control and safety information materials were presented to the leadership of the community to further strengthen public awareness and preparedness.

The materials contained important information on flood prevention, emergency response procedures, and safety measures residents should observe before, during, and after flooding incidents.

The awareness campaign forms part of broader efforts by emergency management agencies to build resilient communities and reduce the impact of natural disasters across Benue State.