By Sarah Sam Adda
Severe flooding has completely submerged Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, prompting the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to urge communities along the banks of Rivers Niger and Benue to relocate immediately to safer areas.
SEMA Executive Secretary, Alhaji Mouktar Atima, gave the warning during an advocacy visit to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Adeiza Abdullazeez.
He said water levels in the two rivers had risen dangerously, with experts predicting that more water would be released from dams from Tuesday night, further worsening the situation.
Atima revealed that 258 communities across eight local government areas had been identified as flood-prone.
To mitigate the impact, 42 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), camps and an emergency operations centre have been set up.
He listed Ota, Ofogbo, Itima, and Owara among the worst-hit communities in Ibaji LGA.
The SEMA boss stressed that the Ministry of Health remained central to disaster response, warning that the next 72 hours would be particularly critical.
He commended the commissioner for proactive efforts that helped ensure zero casualties during last year’s floods.
Responding, Dr. Abdullazeez said the ministry was fully prepared to manage any outbreak of disease or medical emergencies in the IDP camps.
He disclosed that all 42 camps had already been fumigated, while personnel and medical supplies were on standby.
The commissioner also praised Governor Usman Ododo for his swift interventions during past flood crises, recalling that no lives were lost in last year’s disaster.
“In fact, two women in the IDP camps even gave birth to twins,” he noted, attributing the outcome to the governor’s support and rapid response.
