Kogi SEMA Warns as Flood Submerges Ibaji, Urges Residents to Relocate

Lokoja — The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mouktar Atimah, has confirmed that floods have completely submerged Ibaji Local Government Area of the state. He warned communities along the River Niger and Benue banks to immediately relocate to safer grounds.

Atimah, who led the Emergency Response and Critical Team on an advocacy visit to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Adams Abdullazeez, said the state was no longer safe owing to the rising water levels in Rivers Niger and Benue. He explained that charts from experts and dam managers across the country show that excessive water will begin to pour into the two rivers from Tuesday night, leading to an overflow.

He revealed that no fewer than 258 communities in eight local government areas have been marked as flood-prone while 42 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps have been set up to accommodate residents who may be displaced. He added that an emergency operations centre has also been activated.

“Already, five communities in Ibaji Local Government Area have been worst hit including Ota, Ofogbo, Itima and Owara in Kogi Local Government Area” Atimah said. He stressed that in the next 72 hours the state could face a difficult period.

Atimah commended the Ministry of Health for its role in disaster management, noting that its proactive support was responsible for zero casualties during last year’s flooding.

In his response, Dr Abdullazeez said the ministry was not only focused on healthcare delivery but also on safeguarding human lives. He disclosed that preparations were underway, including fumigation of all 42 IDP camps, full mobilisation of personnel, and provision of materials to respond to possible emergencies.

“My ministry is aware there may be an outbreak of diseases in the IDP camps and we are fully prepared” Abdullazeez said. He praised Governor Usman Ododo for his commitment to health issues, stressing that his timely intervention during last year’s flooding prevented any loss of life.