Rising Flood Levels Submerge Five Kogi Communities, Authorities Issue Urgent Evacuation Warning

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Critical Situation as Rivers Niger and Benue Overflow Banks

Five communities in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State have been completely submerged following days of intense flooding, prompting urgent warnings for residents to relocate to safer areas.

The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mouktar Atima, sounded the alarm during a briefing in Lokoja on Wednesday. According to Atima, water levels in Rivers Niger and Benue have reached dangerous points, with experts predicting further inflows in the coming days.

“No fewer than 258 communities across eight local government areas are now marked as flood-prone zones,” Atima revealed. “Already, five communities in Ibaji have been worst hit, including Ota, Ofogbo, Itima, and Owara. We have activated 42 IDP camps and opened an Emergency Operations Centre to manage displaced persons.”

Authorities Brace for Tough Days Ahead

Atima warned that the state could experience one of its worst flood seasons in recent years if water levels continue to rise. He stressed the importance of residents obeying evacuation directives to prevent loss of lives.

Health Commissioner Dr Adams Abdullazeez confirmed that his ministry has already commenced fumigation of IDP camps to curb the risk of waterborne diseases.

“We anticipate possible outbreaks of cholera and other epidemics in the camps,” Abdullazeez said. “But we are fully prepared, and Governor Usman Ododo’s proactive measures have ensured prompt responses to emergencies like this.”

Last year, Kogi State recorded zero fatalities despite similar flooding incidents, a feat officials attribute to early warnings and strong collaboration between SEMA, health authorities, and local communities.

Residents Urged to Heed Evacuation Orders

Atima appealed to affected residents to move to designated camps immediately, stressing that delays could prove fatal if the floods worsen.

“The support we received last year was critical to achieving a zero-casualty record. We must not relent this year,” he added.

Akahi News gathered that farmlands, homes, and public infrastructure have already been destroyed in parts of Ibaji, raising concerns about food security and livelihoods in the months ahead.

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