Five communities in Kogi State have been completely submerged by devastating floods, with authorities calling for immediate evacuation.
The situation has led to the establishment of 42 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps to house those affected.
In an emergency briefing, Alhaji Mouktar Atima, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), revealed the extent of the damage, particularly in Ibaji Local Government Area, located in the state’s eastern senatorial district. He stressed that the region, which has been inundated by floodwaters from the Niger and Benue Rivers, is facing an escalating crisis.
Atima warned, “Communities along the riverbanks must relocate to safer areas immediately. The flood has already caused severe damage, with communities such as Ota, Ofogbo, Itima, and Owara in Kogi Local Government Area among the hardest hit.”
Authorities are particularly concerned as water levels in both rivers are predicted to rise significantly in the coming days. According to experts, the excess water from dams across the country will flow into these rivers, resulting in even higher flood levels starting Tuesday night.
The flood is not only threatening homes but also lives. Atima shared that a total of 258 communities in eight local government areas are considered flood-prone, with the government ramping up efforts to manage the crisis. “We have prepared 42 IDP camps across the state, and an emergency operations centre has been set up to manage the response,” he explained.
Dr. Adams Abdullazeez, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Health, echoed Atima’s concerns. He acknowledged the potential health risks associated with the floods and assured that his ministry was ready to provide immediate support to flood victims. “We are prepared to tackle any health emergencies, including disease outbreaks in the IDP camps. Our personnel and materials are on standby to ensure swift action,” said Dr. Abdullazeez.
He further lauded Governor Usman Ododo for his timely intervention during last year’s flood, which helped prevent casualties in the state. “Governor Ododo’s prompt response was instrumental in ensuring no lives were lost last year, despite widespread devastation across other states,” the health commissioner noted.
