Kogi opens 42 IDP camps as flood submerges five communities
Floodwaters have completely submerged several communities in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State, prompting the opening of 42 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps to accommodate affected residents.
Alhaji Mouktar Atima, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), stated that rising levels in the Niger and Benue rivers, driven by dam releases and heavy rainfall, have worsened flooding across the state.
Atima led the Emergency Response and Critical team on a visit to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adams Abdullazeez, warning that more communities along riverbanks should relocate immediately to safer ground.
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He revealed that Kogi has identified 258 flood-prone communities across eight local government areas, and activated the 42 IDP camps in readiness for mass displacement.
The worst affected locales in Ibaji include Ota, Ofogbo, Itima and Owara, where residents say homes and farmlands are completely underwater.
Dr Adams Abdullazeez responded by confirming that his ministry has begun fumigation of all IDP camps to prevent disease outbreaks, mobilising personnel and medical supplies to support displaced persons.
READ ALSO: Flood claims one life, 2 missing in Zaria
He commended Governor Usman Ododo for his prompt response to last year’s floods and noted that no lives were lost during that emergency; the governor’s intervention, he said, was vital.
The Health Commissioner expressed concerns that the next 72 hours will be crucial, urging heightened vigilance and preparedness as water levels are forecast to further rise.
As waters continue to surge, residents await reinforcements from state and federal relief teams, while authorities appeal for calm, cooperation, and swift humanitarian action.
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