Following the flood that submerged 70 communities in Kogi, the state government has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene to mitigate the impact of the flood.
The Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, made the appeal during an inspection tour to the Edeha community in Kogi Local Government area, affected by the flood.
Salifu, who doubles as Chairman, 2024 Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Committee, said that, in spite of the state’s preparedness, the present situation in Edeha and other communities along the route was beyond what it could handle.
“It is obvious that the present situation is beyond what the Kogi State Government can handle alone.
“It is clear that over 70 communities have been affected by the flood and thousands of homes and farmlands submerged.
“The number of damaged properties, including farmlands, is yet to be ascertained. As such, the intervention of the Federal Government is urgently needed in the affected areas,” he pleaded.
He, however, expressed joy that no life was lost as most of the affected communities have moved to the internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps set up by the state.
The deputy governor assured the commitment of the state to doing its best in ameliorating the suffering of the affected persons.
He affirmed that all the necessary steps have been put in place at the 48 IDP camps set up across the state.
The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), Mr Mourktar Atimah, promised that the state would continue to take care of the victims.
Chief of Edeha Community, Abdullahi Isah, commended the state government for its promptness in visiting them.
Isah, who corroborated the deputy governor’s plea for federal government’s help, said about 70 to 80 communities have been affected by the flood, describing it as a perennial occurrence.
“We appreciate the presence of the Deputy Governor today, but we beg the FG to come in to assist us.
“We have all moved to higher land, and most of our people are presently at the IDP camps.
“We beg the Federal Government, corporate and international organisations, and individuals to come to our aid.
“We know the state government has human feelings, but they cannot do it alone,” Isah said.
The deputy governor was accompanied by the Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, and other members of the flood committee.
The team had earlier visited the Palace of the Ohimegye of Kotonkarfe, where the deputy governor intimated the traditional ruler of the state government’s efforts in handling the flood disaster.
By Stephen Adeleye
