By correspondent in Lokoja.
Kogi State Government has called for urgent assistance from the Federal Government as floods have submerged 70 communities across parts of the state.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Joel Salifu, made the appeal during an inspection of Edeha community in Kogi Local Government Area, which was heavily affected by the flooding.
He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, and other members of the state’s flood response committee.
Salifu, who also chairs the 2024 Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Committee, emphasized that despite the state’s preparations, the severity of the situation has surpassed their capacity to manage it alone.
He said:”It is clear that over 70 communities have been affected by the flood, with thousands of homes and farmlands submerged,” Salifu stated.
“The extent of property damage, particularly to farmlands, is yet to be fully determined. Federal Government intervention is urgently needed.”
The deputy governor expressed relief that no lives had been lost, adding that most residents of the affected communities had relocated to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps established by the state.
He reassured that the government remains committed to alleviating the suffering of those affected, noting that 48 IDP camps, including two in Kotonkarfe-Kogi, are fully operational.
Mr. Mourktar Atimah, Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), confirmed the establishment of the IDP camps across the state’s three senatorial districts.
He added that the state’s Disaster Response Committee is prepared to address the challenges posed by the flood.
During the visit, Chief Abdullahi Isah of Edeha community echoed the need for Federal Government support, stating that between 70 to 80 communities have been affected by the annual flooding.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
