What we are Doing to address massive flooding in Kogi – Yahaya Bello

What we are Doing to address massive flooding in Kogi – Yahaya Bello

By Nafisat Bello

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has explained the concrete steps taken by his administration to address the flooding that has rocked parts of the state recently.

The state capital, Lokoja, Ibaji, Omala, Idah and other parts of the state were recently hit with massive floods that have claimed properties and forced people into IDP camps.

The governor, in an extraordinary statement he issued in Lokoja on Saturday, to commemorate the country’s 62nd independence anniversary, commiserated with Kogites who have lost properties due to the incident, adding that his administration would consolidate on some of the steps already taken to mitigate the situation and prevent future occurrence.

“Even though we are still mapping the red zones as they develop, the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOGISEMA) and other first responders are already hard at work across the state. At-risk communities were informed and encouraged to evacuate long before the flooding began and Internally Displaced Persons Camps were set up and put at their disposal.

“Flooding had affected nine LGAs of Kogi along the Rivers Niger and Benue, including Lokoja, Kogi-Koto, Ajaokuta, Ofu, Igalamela-Odolu, Bassa, Idah, Omala which range from 30% except Ibaji that is almost 100% under water. Flooding in Kogi happens annually and, as such, a lasting solution must be proffered,” Bello said.

“As a leader, it is clear to me that I must make an attempt to break this vicious cycle, if not for all, then for as many victims as I can and I am making proposals for permanent solutions.

“In Lokoja, road shoulders along the banks of the River Niger from the entrance of the city in Natako will be widened to establish a sufficient buffer zone between the city and the river.

“Ganaja junction to Ganaja village road has also been recently re-awarded to a more efficient contractor and we will see to it that when work commences, efforts will be made to raise the road above the water levels mentioned.

“We are also mobilising help from traditional partners such as the National Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Services, Disaster Management and Social Development as well as socially responsible corporate entities,” he added.

Bello noted that, “we will be providing affected persons and communities with shelter at our various Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps, as well as security, food, medicines, clothing and cash grants for necessities, among others.”

Governor Bello said that his administration is working in partnership with the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), to construct about four kilometres of embankments along the River Niger with extensive gully erosion control projects in Ankpa, Ogugu, Ozuri, Lokoja, Dekina and other parts of the State.

“Over the next couple of weeks, we will be putting finishing touches to the work plans for this rescue operation, and as soon as the waters begin to recede into the dry season, we will start work.

“These are hard decisions but they are necessary for us to end this suffering for our people. They will also help us to see quicker the resilient and smart city we want our state capital to become over the next 32 years for which we are already developing a Plan of Action,” the governor assured.