A severe flood has struck large areas of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, causing significant damage and leaving hundreds of residents without homes. Thepaan News reported the incident, highlighting the extensive impact on the community.
A Thepaan News correspondent who surveyed the city on Sunday noted that some of the most affected areas included Achussah, Jerome Hwande Street, Ankpa Quarters extension, Ankpa ward by Demekpe, Living Faith Church, Naka Road, and Behind Customary Court of Appeal. Other heavily hit locations were Gboko Road, JS Tarka University of Agriculture Road, Nyiman Village, Wurukum roundabout, Logo1 Akpehe Village, Ide Village, and Kasho Village, among others.
Flooding has become a recurring disaster in Makurdi over the last decade, annually destroying properties and occasionally leading to the loss of lives. In 2017, flooding displaced over 120,000 people in Benue’s capital, and in 2022, more than 14 local councils were affected.
At Agber Village, Mrs. Hope Igbawua explained that the flooding issue is beyond their control. Despite reporting the problem to relevant authorities over the years, no effective solutions have been provided. Igbawua noted that the community alone could not manage the situation, which would require hundreds of millions to address adequately.
“See, our problem here is not just the overflow of water from River Benue, but the lack of proper and adequate drainage to channel the water to the main drainage constructed by the Federal Government. This situation is similar for many people in Makurdi. Not everyone is affected by the river’s overflow; we need proper drains,” she said.
The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Mr. James Iorpuu, stated that the agency is currently mapping out affected areas and households for immediate intervention. Iorpuu mentioned that SEMA had previously carried out extensive advocacy on flood risks and had appealed to those living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Mr. Ugwu Odoh, revealed that a comprehensive drainage design for the affected communities would be implemented, and the Urban Development Board would demolish structures blocking water channels.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr. Aondowase Kunde, added that a joint memo would be submitted to the Governor, calling for necessary actions to tackle the flooding issue in the state.
