Kogi State Government on Thursday called on the Federal Government to urgently come to the rescue of the state as flood sacked 70 communities in some parts of the State.
The Deputy Governor of the State, Salifu Oyibo made the appeal while inspecting Edeha community in Kogi Local Government area which was affected by the flood.
Oyibo who is the State Chairman, 2024 Flood Disaster Response Committee set up by the State Government said inspite of the State Government preparedness for the flood, the present situation in Edeha and other communities along the route is beyond what the state alone could handle.
“It is obvious that the present situation is beyond the Kogi state Government, we cannot do it alone.
“It is clear that over 70 communities have been affected by the flood and thousands of homes submerged.
“The number of damaged properties including farms is yet to be ascertained. As such, the intervention of the Federal Government is urgently needed in the affected areas.”
Oyibo however expressed joy that no life is lost as most of the affected communities have moved to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps set up by the state.
The Deputy Governor also expressed optimism that the state will do its best in ameliorating the suffering of the affected persons, saying necessary steps have been put in place at the 48 IDP camps set up across the state; two of which are in Kotonkarfe.
The Chief of Edeha community, Abdullahi Isah who commended the State Government for its promptness in visiting them, also corroborated the Deputy Governor’s plea for help.
He said about 70 to 80 communities have been affected by the flood, which he said has become perennial.
“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 organizations, international organizations and individuals to come to our aid. We know the state government has human feelings but they cannot do it alone. Please we need help.”
The State Executive Secretary, Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), Mr. Mourktar Atimah revealed that the state has set up 48 IDP camps across the three senatorial districts to handle the effects of the flood.
He said with the set up of the State Disaster Response Committee, the state is better prepared to handle issues that may arise from the flood.
He promised that the state will not neglect the victims, and will do the best for them.
Also at the Palace of the Ohimege of Kotonkarfe, the Deputy Governor said they were at the Palace to intimate the traditional rulers of the State Government’s efforts in handling the flood disaster.
He said the traditional rulers have been drafted as part of the Disaster Response Committee, set up by the State Government to handle the flood issues.
Reacting to the visit, the Ohimegu Of Kotonkarfe, HRM Saidu Akawu Salihu while receiving the Deputy Governor, urged the State Government to come to the aid of the Council Area, saying the destruction is more than what the team saw.
“I know the communities you visited are those around the main road, but the destruction is more. Beyond Edeha that you visited, all communities along those routes have been submerged.
“We have such communities like Gaduma, Gabor, Ikumo, Edama, and others all under water as we speak.
‘If you go to the Northern side of Kotonkarfe, you will see communities such as Apaku, Egasema, Oka, Agwo and others also submerged.”
The Royal Father said communities in the Kogi Council area are the worst hit by the flood, “Our Local Government area is the most affected as the three zones in this area are all riverine; flooding is a perennial occurrence in our area.
“We are happy that the State Government is proactive. Your presence here has consoled the people and reiterates the fact that the government is responsive”.
The traditional Ruler however said his doors are open to assist the Rapid Response Committee set up by the State Government, “the job has just begun, see us as partners in progress.”
