The Adamawa State Government has debunked reports linking the recent flooding in Shagari area of Yola South Local Government to the Bole Dam, following a high-level on-site assessment led by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The visit was prompted by concerns and speculation that water discharge from the dam caused the devastating flood, which resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of properties in the affected community.
Governor Fintiri, who personally inspected the site along with senior government officials and technical experts, clarified that preliminary observations suggest the dam is not responsible for the flooding. He assured residents that the state government is committed to uncovering the root cause and has directed that further scientific investigation be carried out by independent experts to provide conclusive findings.
“The wellbeing of our people remains paramount,” the governor stated, adding that a long-term solution will be pursued once comprehensive assessments are completed.
At the site, the dam manager, Hussaini Maiwada Baba, provided insight into the operational dynamics of the facility. He explained that the water flow through the spillway is carefully regulated, minimizing any risk of overflow or unintentional release that could trigger flooding.
Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Idris Bande, addressed claims of illegal mining activity in the area, confirming that the operations are duly licensed and monitored under existing legal frameworks.
Environmental experts who accompanied the government delegation to the dam corroborated the position that the structure poses no significant environmental threat. They emphasized the need for a holistic environmental audit to better understand the factors contributing to the recurring floods in the region.
The government’s latest position underscores the importance of evidence-based response to disasters and a shift from speculation to professional inquiry in matters of public safety and environmental management