- Most residents of the affected communities have relocated to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps set up by the state government
The Kogi State Government has announced that over 70 communities have been submerged by floodwaters, following a recent inspection tour of the affected areas.
Deputy Governor Joel Salifu, who made the disclosure during a visit to Edeha community, stated that the scale of the flooding has overwhelmed the capacity of the state government to respond effectively.
Salifu, who also serves as the Chairman of the 2024 Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Committee, noted that despite proactive measures put in place, the current situation remains out of control.
“It is clear that the present situation is beyond what the Kogi State Government can handle; we cannot do it alone,” Salifu said.
He added that while the full extent of damage to properties and farmlands is yet to be determined, there have been no reported casualties so far. Most residents of the affected communities have relocated to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps set up by the state government.
The Chief of Edeha community, Abdullahi Isah, confirmed that over 70 communities have been submerged and expressed gratitude to the state government for its swift response, which he said has helped to save lives and property.
He noted that most of the affected residents have moved to higher ground and are currently staying at IDP camps established in the community.
The paramount ruler of the area, Ohimegye Kotonkarfe, Saidu Akawu-Salihu, added that the flooding has affected all communities along the route beyond Edeha, rendering them submerged. He called for more assistance to mitigate the impact of the disaster.