Kogi State Flood: 70 Communities Submerged, Urgent Federal Aid Needed
Kogi Calls for Federal Intervention as Flooding Affects 70 Communities
70 Communities in Kogi State Affected by Flooding, Government Seeks Help
BY SHEKWOPEYELO
Kogi State
Deputy Governor Joel Salifu inspecting flood-affected areas
During an inspection of the Edeha community in Kogi Local Government Area, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu emphasized the need for federal assistance. He chairs the 2024 Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Committee and noted that the current situation exceeds the state’s capacity.
“It is clear that this situation is beyond what Kogi State can handle alone,” he stated. “More than 70 communities have faced flooding, and thousands of homes and farmlands remain submerged. Additionally, we have yet to determine the full extent of the damage. Therefore, federal intervention is crucial for these areas,” he emphasized.
Fortunately, Salifu expressed relief that no lives were lost, as many residents moved to the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps set up by the state. Consequently, the deputy governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to helping those affected. Officials have established 48 IDP camps across the state to house the displaced.
Furthermore, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), Mr. Mourktar Atimah, promised that the state would continue to provide assistance to the victims. Chief of Edeha Community, Abdullahi Isah, praised the state government for its quick response. He also reiterated the urgent call for federal assistance.
Isah reported that around 70 to 80 communities have suffered from the flood, describing it as a recurring problem. “We appreciate the Deputy Governor’s visit today; however, we urge the Federal Government to assist us. We have all moved to higher ground, and most of our people currently reside in the IDP camps. Therefore, we appeal to the Federal Government, corporate entities, international organizations, and individuals to come to our aid. While we appreciate the state government’s empathy, they cannot handle this alone,” Isah said.
Earlier, the deputy governor visited the Palace of the Ohimegye of Kotonkarfe, where he updated the traditional ruler on the state government’s efforts to manage the flood disaster.
