By PETER DURU

MAKURDI — With the noticeable rise in the water levels of River Benue, the state government has urge those living in flood-prone areas to vacate such areas to avert a looming disaster.

The government further cautioned those putting up structures at the river bank to desist in their own interest.

Benue State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Justin Amase, who sounded the warning while fielding questions from journalists in Makurdi, regretted that “despite repeated warnings, people were still putting up structures by the bank of River Benue.

He said: “Others have also gone back to live in homes that are located very close to the river against the advice of experts and the state government.

”People seem to be taking the predictions of another flooding of parts of the state for granted and have refused to adhere to the several warnings and advise of government of an impending flooding of the state.

”Though the state government has taken steps to mitigate the effect of the flooding of any part of the state the people must also assist the government to check any devastation in the state.

”At the moment, the state government has embarked on the construction of new drainages and water channels which are presently going on in parts of the state in order to mitigate the effects of future flooding in the state.

”These projects cost the state government huge funds; that is the more reason why the people must adhere to the several warnings by the government because the efforts of the government would not yield desired results if the people fail in their own responsibilities.”