Kogi Flood Catastrophe: Deputy Governor Reveals Shocking Impact On 70 Communities

Kogi Flood Catastrophe: Deputy Governor Reveals Shocking Impact On 70 Communities

The Kogi State government has announced that more than 70 communities have been submerged by flooding.

Deputy Governor Joel Salifu shared this information following an inspection tour of the Edeha community, stating that the flood situation has exceeded the state government’s capacity to manage it.

As the State Chairman of the 2024 Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Committee, Comrade Salifu explained that despite the proactive measures implemented by the government to address this year’s flooding, the current circumstances in Edeha and other areas along the affected route are beyond control.

“It is clear that the current situation surpasses what the Kogi State Government can manage; we cannot handle this alone,” he emphasized.

While he noted that the extent of property and farmland damage is still being assessed, he expressed relief that, thus far, no lives have been lost in the impacted communities.

Salifu mentioned that many residents of the affected areas have relocated to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps established by the state government.

Abdullahi Isah, the Chief of Edeha community, corroborated that over 70 communities in the region are currently underwater and thanked the state government for its swift actions that have helped to protect lives and property.

He explained that most displaced individuals have moved to higher ground and are now residing in the IDP camps set up in the community.

Saidu Akawu-Salihu, the paramount ruler of the community, added that not only Edeha but also all communities along the routes have been inundated. He highlighted that areas such as Gaduma, Gabor, Ikumo, Edama, and others are presently submerged, with Apaku, Egasema, and Oka also facing similar flooding.