Following the release of water from Lagbo dam by the Cameroonian authorities and the warning by the National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, of expected flooding, Kogi State Government has warned residents along the Riverine area to leave and move to higher ground.
The State Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi stated this in his office after the meeting of the State Flood Management Committee, however said the State is in a better position to handle any negative effects of flooding that may occur this year in the State.
Awoniyi who said the State Flood Management Standing Committee has identified nine local Government (Ibaji, Bassa, Idah, Lokoja, Kogi, Ajaokuta, Omala, Ofu and Igalamela Odolu LGAs) to be affected by the predicted flooding said adequate preparation have been made to cushion the effect in the event it becomes devastating.
Awoniyi appealed to residents of the areas to be affected to evacuate from their domain, said the 2012 incidence was strange, coming after forty years, called on residents to run for their lives.
According to him, “We understand the anxieties arising from the increase in water level in some other States; but I can assure that the Kogi State government is now better prepared to handle the predicted flooding. The 2012 edition which was the first of its kind has taught us what we needed to do.
“We have made provision to embark on immediate sensitization to all the expected LGAs where the flood will affect; the television and radio jingles will still continue to inform the people; the State is also going to meet with the community leaders, traditional rulers, and other relevant stakeholders to tell them how we intend to manage the flooding. We will involve the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, the Red Cross on their expected roles to help mitigate the effects of the flood”
Awoniyi who said the State would identify and set up IDPs camps, however said unlike the 2012 episode; schools would not be used. “We don’t intend to disrupt school activities this year; schools will not be used as IDP camps.
“This year’s flood will not be dramatic like the 2012. We are only urging the people to pray and obey the instructions to compliment the government’s preparation. People should pray that just like the expected flooding of 2013 that never came; this year may be like that too. It is something that calls for prayer, but it’s more better to prepare and obey. The State is now better prepared but the people in the identified areas should obey instruction”.
Also speaking, the state secretary of SEMA, Mrs Alice Ogedengbe, said SEMA and its officials are now better positioned to meet the challenges of the expected flooding, said her agency will partner with relevant agencies to mitigate the flood if it occurs, commended the concern of Capt Idris Wada who has directed the immidiate purchase of medicaments, foods and other items that may be needed in the event that the flood becomes intense.
