Kogi, Benue in Crisis as Floodwaters Rise

A heavy downpour lasting over nine hours on Monday led to significant flooding across various locations in Makurdi metropolis.

The rain began around 3 a.m. and continued until noon, affecting areas including Gyado Villa, Wadata, Wurukum, Achussa, and parts of North Bank.

In Kogi State, the flooding has already submerged more than 200 communities, displacing nearly two million people as the disaster continues to unfold. Affected local government areas include Kogi, Lokoja, Adavi, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Idah, and Ibaji.

Our correspondent reported that residents in riverine areas of Makurdi were hit hardest by the flooding. The Federal Government, through various agencies, has issued warnings about potential floods in major towns and states, urging those living along riverbanks to evacuate. Several state governments have echoed this call, advising residents in flood-prone areas to relocate.

During a visit to some of the affected areas in Makurdi, residents were seen salvaging their belongings. A Wadata resident, known as Tondo, recounted how his family woke up as soon as the rain began and attempted to save their possessions.

“Typically, we don’t sleep well whenever it rains, so by the time the rain started around 3 a.m., we were already awake,” Tondo said. “We thought the rain wouldn’t last long, but by 7 a.m., when it became clear it was not stopping, we started moving essential items like documents and food outside.”

When asked why his family did not relocate to designated safe areas, Tondo explained that they believed they had escaped the worst of the flooding.

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Mr. James Iorpuu, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, stated that the agency is ready to assist those affected by the flooding. “As I speak, the technical committee for rapid response to flooding set up by Governor Hyacinth Alia is at Wadata and Gaadi camps, distributing food and non-food items to the victims,” he said.

“Those affected have been provided with mattresses and other essentials. Many residents in Wadata and Gboko Road areas of Makurdi have been impacted, so we urge everyone living in flood-prone areas to relocate to camps to avoid further losses,” he added.

In response to the flooding in Kogi State, the government is appealing for assistance from the Federal Government and international donor agencies. During a press conference at Kotonkarfe in the Kogi Local Government area, Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo highlighted the impending humanitarian crisis, stating that close to two million people are currently homeless.

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“The National Emergency Management Agency cannot afford to wait any longer, as the state is already overwhelmed,” he said. He noted that nine of the state’s 21 local government areas have been affected, and approximately 68 IDP camps have been established.

Fanwo lamented the destruction of schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure. “Seeing the elderly and young children in such distress is heartbreaking. We did not lose any lives because we activated our early warning and awareness plan. However, we are expending significant resources daily, which is still insufficient.

We call on the Federal Government, international donor agencies, NGOs, and philanthropists to come to our aid,” he concluded.

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