,,,,, Government Appeals for Urgent Aid.
By correspondent in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Government has issued an urgent appeal for assistance from the Federal Government and international aid organizations after devastating floods displaced close to two million residents and submerged over 200 communities.
Kogi State is located in north central Nigeria.
During a press briefing in Kotonkarfe, Kogi Local Government Area, on Monday, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, expressed concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in some parts of the state.
He described the situation as overwhelming, lamenting that 9 out of 21 local government areas of the state have been hit by the flood and ruined infrastructure across the state.
“The flood disaster here is catastrophic.With over 200 communities submerged and nearly two million people displaced, we are facing a dire emergency.Schools, hospitals, and other essential services have been completely destroyed, “Fanwo added.
“The state has set up approximately 68 IDP camps, though they are already overcrowd. Despite extensive efforts, the resources available fall far short of meeting the needs of the displaced population, particularly vulnerable groups like children and the elderly,”Fanwo said.
The Commissioner also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other humanitarian bodies to act swiftly, saying, “We cannot afford to wait any longer.”
He, however ,commended the state’s proactive early warning measures, which he noted helped prevent loss of life, and assured residents that the government, led by a Flood Disaster Response Team under the Deputy Governor, would continue to support them.
He identified Kogi, Lokoja, Adavi, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Idah local government areas as among the areas affected by the flood.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
