Long term effect of Lagdo dam at Jimeta bridge in river Benue

The vital connection in hydrology that represent the value at which the mother earth makes water accessible for humanity and management is of great importance. Downstream aftermath of dam leads to several environmental and socioeconomic uncertainty. The study focuses on analyzing the downstream effects of discharge and flow at River Benue in Jimeta with a view to ascertain the flow of water in the Benue River and to provide early warning changes. The data includes the discharge of previous years prior and after the dam construction, rainfall data, and the topographic map of the study area. The comparative study showed a consistent level of water flow in the Benue River before its construction, After The dam was established, the sequel revealed that there is a significant trend in annual maximum discharge in 1984 with 1,445m3/sec, these is as a result of control of outflow of the dam for it to reach its maximum level since the commencement of the dam operation began in 1982. In conclusion, the lagdo dam upstream has hydrological effects on the Benue at jimeta. the occasional release of water from the dam leads to irregular flow over a time period. These changes in the characteristics pattern of flow affects aquatic life, nature of the river bed and agricultural activities along the bank of the river. Based on the findings, it is recommended that there should be restoration measures such as check dam for flood control.