The Kogi State government has made an urgent appeal to the federal government to construct dams and dredge the Rivers Niger and Benue to alleviate the devastating effects of flooding in the state.

Governor Usman Ododo made the call in Lokoja on Thursday when Zubaida Umar, the director-general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), paid him a courtesy visit in response to the flooding in the state.

Mr Ododo, speaking through his deputy, Salihu Oyibo, described the situation as “devastating and overwhelming”.

The governor expressed gratitude that no lives had been lost due to proactive measures but noted that the devastation level was beyond the state government’s capacity.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to assist in constructing dams to contain the overflow from dams in Cameroon and other Nigerian states.

Mr Ododo said dredging the Rivers Niger and Benue would help reduce flood impacts.

“Nine out of 21 local government areas have been affected, displacing over 420 communities with 42 Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps across the state.

“Schools and farmlands, including a N10 billion rice farm project in Ibaji Local Government Area, have been submerged,” the governor said.

Ms Umar visited the state to address the flood situation and collaborate with the Kogi government.

She expressed sympathy for the affected communities and emphasised the importance of vigilance and preparedness due to Kogi’s unique confluence location.

NEMA took immediate action upon receiving forecasts, analysing potential impacts, and communicating proactive measures to mitigate the worst outcomes.

Public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement helped reduce high-level impacts in some areas.

Some victims pleaded for government assistance, particularly food and water, to alleviate their suffering within the camps.

NEMA and SEMA officials assured timely intervention, especially in providing portable drinking water within two hours.

(NAN)