Eyewitnesses report that the flooding, caused by continuous rainfall overnight, submerged large portions of the highway, making movement nearly impossible for motorists and creating a traffic backlog that stretched for several kilometers. The worst-hit areas were said to be along the Agasha–Makurdi axis, where vehicles were seen stranded and some motorists forced to turn back or seek alternative routes.
A Nightmare for Commuters and Security Teams
Many travelers were caught off-guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Several commercial drivers, private car owners, and even logistics trucks were stuck in the rising waters, with no clear path forward. Videos circulating online show desperate passengers wading through the floodwaters while trying to salvage belongings from stalled vehicles.
Security operatives and advance protocol teams, responsible for ensuring a smooth visit for the President, had to quickly review logistics and reroute movements to avoid delays or disruptions. Sources suggest that the presidential motorcade may have to bypass the flooded sections entirely, possibly using an alternative air or back-road route to reach the venue safely.
A Recurring Benue Problem
This is not the first time residents of Benue State are dealing with the destructive impact of flooding. The state, particularly Makurdi and its surrounding areas, is highly prone to seasonal flooding due to poor drainage systems, rising water levels from River Benue, and unregulated construction along waterways.
Year after year, homes, farmlands, and critical roads are submerged, often leaving behind a trail of destruction. Calls for a more sustainable and proactive flood management plan have been constant among residents and activists. However, the response from relevant authorities has often been described as reactive and insufficient.
What the People Are Saying
The timing of this flood incident just before a presidential visit has reignited conversations online about the urgent need for infrastructural improvement in Benue State.
“Maybe now that it has affected a presidential visit, we will finally see some serious action on flood control,” said one Facebook user reacting to the viral videos.
Another commenter added, “This road connects our people to the rest of the country. If it floods this badly, it says a lot about the kind of attention we are getting from Abuja.”
A Wake-Up Call
As President Tinubu steps foot in Benue, this incident should serve as more than just a logistical inconvenience — it is a stark reminder of the urgent infrastructural and environmental issues that demand federal attention.
If anything positive is to come from this situation, it should be a renewed commitment by both state and federal governments to address the long-standing flood problem in Benue. The people deserve safe roads, protected farmlands, and peace of mind during the rainy season.
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