The Kogi State Government has issued a strong appeal to residents living in flood-prone communities to begin relocating to safer grounds as part of early preventive measures ahead of the anticipated seasonal flooding.
This call was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja.
Fanwo noted that the state has endured a “terrible history of flood devastation” over the past two decades, with recurring destruction of property and mass displacement of residents. He emphasized the importance of proactive relocation by residents of flood-prone areas to avert avoidable casualties in the months ahead.
“We have had a terrible history of flood devastation over the last two decades. While the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will be busy in the next months to avert casualties and also cater for displaced people, we urge people in flood-prone areas to vacate the danger zones to safer grounds,” the statement read.
The Commissioner acknowledged the deep emotional and cultural attachment many residents have to their ancestral homes but urged them to prioritize safety and survival above all else.
“It’s understandable that many are emotionally connected to their ancestral lands, but we must put safety first. You have to be alive to stay in your ancestral homes. Let all of us commit to safety first,” Fanwo stressed.
He reassured residents that the Kogi State Government remains fully committed to supporting those at risk of displacement, and that efforts are already underway through relevant agencies to mitigate the impact of the flood season.
“We want to assure our people that government will not abandon them. The flood has sadly become an annual occurrence, but it is receiving the attention it deserves,” he said.
Fanwo also appealed for assistance from the Federal Government, development partners, and non-governmental organizations, noting that the scale of the challenge requires a multi-agency response.
“We need help from the Federal Government and its agencies. We need help from non-governmental organizations. We need help from everyone. But before then, we will work hard to help ourselves,” he said.
The statement urged community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organizations to join the government in sensitizing residents, ensuring timely and safe evacuation from high-risk zones.
