In the aftermath of severe flooding that has overwhelmed approximately 70 communities in Kogi State, the state government has made a heartfelt appeal to the federal government for immediate intervention to help mitigate the adverse effects of this natural disaster.
The urgency of this request was voiced by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu during an inspection tour of the Edeha community, one of the areas heavily impacted by the floodwaters.
Mr. Salifu, who also serves as the chairman of the 2024 Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Committee, expressed concerns that despite the state’s preparedness to deal with such emergencies, the extent of the flooding has surpassed the state’s capacity to manage it effectively.
“It is evident that the present situation is beyond what the Kogi State Government can handle alone,” he agonized.
Highlighting the extensive damage caused by the floods, the Deputy Governor said over 70 communities have been significantly affected, leading to thousands of homes and agricultural lands being submerged under water.
He further pointed out that the exact extent of the damage to properties, especially farmlands, has yet to be fully assessed, appealing that in the light of the scale of the disaster, there is an urgent need for the federal government to come to the aide of Kogi to address the challenges faced by the impacted areas.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Mr. Salifu expressed relief that no lives had been lost, attributing this fortunate outcome to the proactive measures taken by most affected communities to relocate to the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps established by the state government. He reassured those present of the state’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of those impacted by the floods, stating that all necessary arrangements have been put in place at the 48 IDP camps set up throughout the state to provide support and care for the victims.
Mourktar Atimah, the executive secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), also pledged that the state would continue to provide assistance to the affected individuals and families.
The Chief of the Edeha community, Abdullahi Isah, expressed gratitude to the state government for its swift response in visiting the community during this challenging time. He echoed the deputy governor’s call for federal support, stating that between 70 and 80 communities have been impacted by the floods, which he described as a recurring problem that needs urgent attention.
“We are thankful for the Deputy Governor’s presence today, but we earnestly request the federal government to come forward and assist us. Many of us have relocated to higher ground, and most of our community members are currently residing in the IDP camps,” Mr. Isah explained.
He appealed to the federal government, corporate entities, international organizations, and individuals for assistance, acknowledging that while the state government is compassionate, it cannot shoulder the entire burden alone.
The Deputy Governor was joined by Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communication, along with other members of the flood response committee.
Prior to visiting Edeha, the team had made a stop at the palace of the Ohimegye of Kotonkarfe, where Mr. Salifu informed the traditional ruler about the state government’s ongoing efforts to manage the flood disaster and provide support to those affected.
