By Abdullahi Lukman
Floodwaters have completely submerged Ibaji Local Government Area in Kogi State, prompting urgent evacuation warnings for communities along the banks of Rivers Niger and Benue, according to the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Kogi SEMA Executive Secretary, Mouktar Atima, issued the warning during an advocacy visit to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdullazeez.
Atima stated that rising water levels from upstream dams are expected to worsen putting the state at greater flood risk within the next 72 hours.
“No fewer than 258 communities in eight local government areas have been identified as flood-prone,” Atima said, adding that five communities in Ibaji have already been badly affected, including Ota, Ofogbo, and Itima. Owara in Kogi LGA is also among the worst-hit.
To manage the crisis, 42 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps have been set up across the state, alongside the activation of an Emergency Operations Centre.
Atima emphasized that the Ministry of Health plays a vital role in disaster response, and praised its efforts in achieving zero casualties during last year’s floods.
In response, Dr. Abdullazeez affirmed that the ministry is fully prepared for any medical emergencies, including disease outbreaks in IDP camps.
Fumigation of all camps is already underway, and personnel and resources have been mobilized.
The commissioner credited Governor Usman Ododo’s swift actions in previous flood responses for the absence of fatalities and assured that similar proactive measures are in place this year.
