The Kogi State Government has issued an urgent appeal for help from the Federal Government and international organizations as devastating floods continue to ravage the state, displacing close to two million people and submerging over 200 communities.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in Kotonkarfe, Kogi Local Government Area, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, described the situation as a brewing humanitarian crisis. He stressed the severity of the flooding, calling for immediate intervention.
“We are in a dire emergency situation at the moment, and this is sad,” Fanwo lamented. “The flood disaster here is devastating, and over 200 communities have already been submerged, and close to two million people displaced.”
“The National Emergency Management Agency cannot afford to wait any longer,” he added.
Fanwo revealed that nine out of the state’s 21 Local Government Areas have been affected, almost 50% of the region. Despite opening 68 IDP camps, the commissioner said the facilities are insufficient to house the massive population now homeless. The flooding has also caused widespread destruction to essential infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.
“Seeing the aged and little children in this kind of distress is a horrible sight,” he added. “We did not lose any life because we activated the early warning and enlightenment plan. We are expending huge resources daily, but it is inadequate. We call on the Federal Government, International Donor Agencies, NGOs, and philanthropists to come to our aid.”
In response to the crisis, the Kogi State Government had earlier established a Flood Disaster Response Team, led by the Deputy Governor, to coordinate relief efforts and provide support to those affected. Communities in Kogi, Lokoja, Adavi, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Idah, and Ibaji are among the areas hit by the floods.
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