Communities situated in flood-vulnerable zones of Kogi State are gripped by anxiety as water levels in both the River Niger and River Benue continue to surge.
According to forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Kogi State is among the regions at high risk of imminent flooding. Notably, the state is home to the confluence where the Niger and Benue rivers merge.
During a recent visit to the River Niger’s banks, it was observed that the water has risen to a critical height, intensifying concerns among residents living close to the river.
Hassan Jibril, a resident of the Pata community-an area frequently affected by floods-expressed ongoing fears, recalling how they have been forced to relocate annually since the devastating floods of 2012 that submerged numerous communities across several local government areas.
“The rising water levels have us deeply worried. This cycle of moving every year has been our reality since 2012,” he shared.
The local government areas most at risk include Kogi, Ajaokuta, Ofu, Ibaji, Adavi, Bassa, and Omala.
Speaking to the press in Lokoja, Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA) and head of the Emergency Response and Preparedness team, warned that the state’s safety is severely compromised due to the escalating water levels of the Niger and Benue rivers.
Prior to this briefing, Atimah had engaged with the Commissioner of Health to emphasize the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing the health risks associated with the looming flood crisis.
He alerted residents, especially those in flood-prone communities, about the critical rise in river levels, cautioning that the next 72 hours would be particularly challenging.
“Water levels are climbing, and with the imminent release of dam waters, the situation will worsen. Last year at this time, the water stood at 8.1 meters, but with the scheduled dam discharge tonight, flooding will overwhelm our state,” he explained.
“We are establishing 42 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across eight local government areas. However, Ibaji currently lacks a camp because approximately 96% of the area is already submerged.”
“Five communities in Ibaji have been completely flooded, and in Idah, several settlements are affected, prompting residents to relocate to higher ground.”
“We urge all inhabitants in flood-prone zones to move to safer, elevated locations immediately, as Kogi State faces significant danger with the forthcoming dam water release,” Atimah urged.
Despite the dire circumstances, the KOSEMA Executive Secretary reassured that the state government is actively working around the clock to reduce the flood’s impact and protect its citizens.
