Benue State, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” is facing two serious problems – deadly floods and rising violence. The Nigerian government has warned that many parts of the state could experience heavy flooding in the coming months.
According to the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), over 1,249 communities in 30 states, including Benue, are at high risk. In Benue, places like Makurdi and other areas near the river suffer from floods almost every year.
The 2012 flood was one of the worst, forcing over 100,000 people to leave their homes. Similar floods returned in 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2023, causing damage to homes, farmlands, and roads. The floods are caused by heavy rains, overflowing rivers, blocked drainage, and climate change. Water released from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam also makes things worse.
This year, the Benue State Government is taking action. Governor Hyacinth Alia said that emergency teams are on high alert. Temporary shelters are being set up, and people living near the River Benue are being asked to move to safer places.
The state is also working with federal agencies to give early warnings and create community flood maps. The Commissioner for Water Resource, Environment, and Climate Change said they are doing public awareness campaigns in all 23 local governments and clearing waterways to reduce the risk.
Still, many residents are worried. Some say they are always told to move, but they have nowhere to go. Others fear the floods will destroy their farms again, and they are also scared of violence from bandits and armed herdsmen.
People like Mrs. Eunice Akpa, Mrs. Ichalefu Oyiwodu, Mr. Shima Akaa, and Elder Godwin Abuul have shared their pain. They say the government must act now – not after disaster strikes. Many are calling for more shelters, better drainage, and real help for poor families who can’t relocate on their own.
The situation in Benue is serious. Apart from the floods, the state is also dealing with violence. In just three months, many villages in Guma, Logo, Otukpo, Agatu, and Apa have been attacked, leaving people dead and homeless.
Now, the government faces a big task – to stop both the flooding and the violence, and to protect the lives and food supply of the nation.
