KOGI State Government has asked the Federal Government to urgently come to its rescue as flood sacked 70 communities in some parts of the state.
Salifu Oyibo, the state Deputy Governor made the appeal while inspecting the Edeha community in Kogi Local Government area which was affected by the flood.
Oyibo who is also the Chairman, 2024 Flood Disaster Response Committee, set up by the State Government, said that in spite of the government’s preparedness for the flood, the present situation in Edeha and other communities along the route is beyond what the state alone could handle.
“It is obvious that the present situation is beyond the Kogi State Government, we cannot do it alone,” he said.
“It is clear that over 70 communities have been affected by the flood and thousands of homes submerged.
“The number of damaged properties including farms is yet to be ascertained. As such, the intervention of the Federal Government is urgently needed in the affected areas.”
Oyibo expressed joy that no life is lost as most of the affected communities have moved to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps set up by the state.
He is, however, optimism that the state will do its best in ameliorating the suffering of the affected persons, saying necessary steps have been put in place at the 48 IDP camps set up across the state; two of which are in Kotonkarfe.
Speaking, the Chief of the Edeha community, Abdullahi Isah, commended the state government for its promptness in visiting them, and also corroborated the deputy governor’s plea for help.
He said about 70 to 80 communities have been affected by the flood, which he said has become perennial.
“We appreciate the presence of the Deputy Governor today, but we beg the FG to come in to assist us. We have all moved to higher land and most of our people are presently at the IDP camps.
“We beg the Federal Government, corporate organizations, international organizations and individuals to come to our aid. We know the state government has human feelings but they cannot do it alone. Please we need help,” he said.
