By Fatima Saka
Amid forecasts of heavier rains in the coming weeks, Senator (Dr.) Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has called on Nigerians residing along riverbanks to urgently relocate inland, warning that disaster is imminent unless proactive measures are taken.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Tuesday after seconding a Senate motion raised by Senator Peter Ndalikali Jiya (Niger South), Umeh stressed the federal government’s failure to dredge and desilt major waterways particularly Rivers Niger and Benue, continues to expose communities to annual flood devastation.
“Anytime rain falls, the rivers overflow immediately because they have become so shallow. Until the government does the needful, these disasters will persist,” he warned.
Umeh expressed grave concern over the recent catastrophic flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, which reportedly claimed over 300 lives, displaced many, and left several injured, despite prior warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and advocacy efforts by Senator Jiya. “This is just the third week in June, and yet we are seeing this scale of destruction. What happens when we reach the peak in August?” Umeh asked.
He criticized the current government approach of post-disaster relief efforts such as distributing mosquito nets and makeshift tents, stating that it amounts to “treating symptoms without addressing the root cause.”
Instead, he called for year-round dredging and desilting of rivers, especially during the dry season, to expand water capacity and prevent overflow.
The lawmaker also proposed an amendment to the Senate motion’s prayers, expanding oversight responsibilities to include the Committees on Works, Water Resources, and Urban and Regional Planning, rather than limiting it to Housing, to effectively combat future flooding.
Umeh concluded with a heartfelt condolence message to Niger State Governor, Hon. Umar Bago, commending his agricultural initiatives and expressing hope that the tragedy will not derail his vision.
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“My sympathy goes to him. Let him not be deterred. Let him continue working hard. The almighty Allah will be with him,” he said.
With the peak of the rainy season approaching, the Senator urged both government agencies and at-risk communities to act swiftly, warning that further delay would only result in more tragic losses.
