The Kogi State Government has called on the Federal Government and national and international disaster relief agencies to give urgent attention to the state, which remains one of Nigeria’s most flood-prone areas due to its location at the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue.
Five communities in Ibaji Local Government Area have already been submerged by rising water levels from both rivers, according to Guardian Newspaper reports.
State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, made the appeal on Wednesday in Lokoja while receiving the management team of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA) in his office.
“Nigeria should begin to take Kogi very seriously. This is the state where the Rivers Niger and Benue meet. But when it comes to flooding, states through which these rivers flow often get more attention than Kogi,” Fanwo said.
He stressed that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to the welfare of residents, but cannot singlehandedly shoulder the enormous burden of recurring floods.
He urged federal agencies, humanitarian partners, and international organizations to intervene swiftly.
Fanwo highlighted Ibaji as a major rice production hub whose submergence poses a threat to food security nationwide.
“We are at the center of the nation. If Kogi is cut off, the entire country feels the impact. That is why we are calling for a state of emergency and immediate humanitarian support to affected areas,” he added.
Executive Secretary of KOSEMA, Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, praised Governor Ododo for his quick response and commitment to providing shelter and relief materials to victims.
He noted that over 76,000 people were accommodated in IDP camps last year, with no recorded deaths, and confirmed that 42 camps have already been activated to manage current and potential victims.
Atimah also reported that parts of Kogi, Lokoja, and Ibaji LGAs are already affected by flooding this year.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Agada Eleojo, commended KOSEMA and the State Response Team for their proactive efforts and pledged the Ministry’s continued collaboration to mitigate the disaster’s impact.
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