Governor Usman Ododo’s government of Kogi State has appealed to the Federal Government and international donor organizations for support as flooding displaced more than 200 communities.
During a press briefing in Kotonkarfe, Kogi Local Government, on Monday, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, cautioned that a significant humanitarian crisis is emerging in the state, with nearly two million individuals now without homes.
According to him, no fewer than two million people have been rendered homeless.
He said, “The National Emergency Management Agency cannot afford to wait any longer” as the State is already overwhelmed.
“We are in a dire emergency situation at the moment, and this is tragic. The flood disaster here is devastating, with over 200 communities already submerged and close to two million people displaced.
“As we speak, nine of the 21 Local Government Areas in the state are affected, which is almost 50% of the total number of Local Government Areas. We have opened about 68 IDP camps, but they cannot accommodate such a massive population. Schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure have been completely destroyed.
“Seeing the elderly and young children in such distress is heartbreaking. We have not lost any lives because we activated the early warning and awareness plan. However, we are spending huge resources daily, but it is inadequate. We call on the Federal Government, international donor agencies, NGOs, and philanthropists to come to our aid.”
Fanwo stated that the State Government had earlier established a Flood Disaster Response Team, which is headed by the Deputy Governor. He assured the victims of the government’s ongoing support during this natural disaster.
The Local Government Areas impacted include Kogi, Lokoja, Adavi, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Idah, and Ibaji.
