By correspondent in Makurdi.
Photo credit:Relieve web.
The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, has restated his call on the Federal Government to fulfill its promise to dredge River Benue in order to end the perennial challenge of flood that has continued to wreak havoc in the state during rainy seasons.
Ayatse emphasised that the only solution to end the menace would be by dredging the river and construction of drainages for free flow of water.
The Tor Tiv stated this when the management team of Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), led by the Executive Secretary, Sir James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, paid homage to him in his palace in Gboko area of the state.
He commended SEMA for its foresight for taking measures to mitigate the consequences posed yearly by flood in September and October while regretting that almost all the local governments in Benue are affected by the flood.
The royal who lauded Governor Hyacinth Alia for his proactive steps ahead of the pending disaster assured SEMA of the full support of Benue State traditional institution by embarking on massive sensitisation of Benue citizens to adhere to the warning to avert being victim of the impending disaster.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu Aondoakaa, informed the royal father that Governor Alia directed the agency to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the state to device measures to mitigate the danger pose by flooding.
Iorpuu noted that the traditional institution plays key roles in the development of the society hence the decision to pay homage and solicit collaboration in sensitising and creating awareness on the projected impact of flood to the communities affected and provide spaces and community resources such as water, markets and primary health care for them.
The SEMA boss posited that this year’s flood alert projected to affect 22 out of the 23 local governments in the state particularly those along the coastal lines of Makurdi, Guma, Gwer West, Buruku, Agatu, Katsina Ala and parts of Gboko which will be worse hit.
He stated further that the projected number of persons that will be affected is estimated at 473,000, . noting that women and girls will constitute about 49. 7percent number representing 235, 081 persons while men and boys constituting 237, 919 of the number.
Edited by Dada Ahmed .
