Over 70 Communities Submerged by Flood in Kogi, Government Raises Alarm

• The Kogi State Government reported that over 70 communities have been submerged by floods, overwhelming their capacity to respond effectively
• Deputy Governor Joel Salifu confirmed no lives have been lost, but thousands have been relocated to IDP camps due to flooding

The Kogi State Government has reported that more than 70 communities have been submerged by floods, which has overwhelmed the state’s capacity to respond.

The Deputy Governor, Mr. Joel Salifu, made this known after inspecting the flood-affected Edeha community in Kogi Local Government Area.

Salifu, who also serves as the Chairman of the 2024 Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Committee, expressed concern that despite the government’s proactive measures, the severity of the flood has exceeded their control.

“It is clear that the current situation is beyond what the Kogi State Government can manage independently. Over 70 communities have been affected, with thousands of homes and farmlands submerged,” he said.

While the full extent of the damage to properties and farmlands is yet to be determined, Salifu was relieved that no lives have been lost so far. Many residents have been relocated to government-set up Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

The Chief of the Edeha community, Abdullahi Isah, confirmed that over 70 communities are underwater and praised the government for its swift action in saving lives and property. Most residents have moved to higher ground or IDP camps.

The paramount ruler of the area, Ohimegye Kotonkarfe, HRM Saidu Akawu-Salihu, also highlighted that beyond Edeha, numerous other communities, such as Gaduma, Gabor, Ikumo, and others, have been submerged. He added that northern communities like Apaku, Egasema, Oka, and Agwo are underwater.