***Residents Urged to Avoid Flooded Routes, Call 112 in Emergencies
In a decisive step to safeguard lives and property as heavy rains intensify across the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has barricaded the Ring Road 2 Interchange slip road at Galadimawa to prevent another flood tragedy.
Announcing the closure, the Acting Director General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, said the rising water level on the slip road posed an immediate danger to motorists.
“The water level on this slip road is building up and this place will be flooded. The closure of this road is part of our preparedness and mitigation efforts to save lives and property,” Abdulrahman explained.
He appealed to residents to cooperate by using alternative routes and to never risk driving through pools of water during downpours. “Please, wait for floodwaters to recede and always call the 112 emergency toll-free number if you face any disaster,” he urged.
Abdulrahman noted that the slip road, which links Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road 2 at Galadimawa, has been under close watch since June. Although the closure could have happened earlier, the Department delayed it while monitoring the water levels.
Recalling the tragic 2019 incident when a severe flood on the same road claimed the life of Mr. Tony Okecheme, Director of Finance at the FCT High Court, the FEMD boss stressed that the precautionary measure is necessary to prevent a repeat.
Officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), led by Head of Abuja Operations Office, Mr. Zakari Abubakar, and staff from the Department of Development Control were present during the barricading to lend support.
Engr. Abdulrahman called on all residents to stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and cooperate with emergency officials to ensure the FCT remains safe throughout the wet season.
