Kogi Flood disaster: how Deputy Governor Reveals unbearable Impact On 70 Communities

The Kogi State government has said that over 70 communities have been submerged by flooding across the state

Deputy Governor Joel Salifu stated this after an inspection tour of the Edeha community, stressing that the flood situation is above what the state government can manage

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.