The Kogi State Government has urgently appealed to the Federal Government and international donor agencies for assistance as devastating floods have impacted over 200 communities across the region.
During a press briefing in Kotonkarfe, Kogi Local Government, on Monday, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, warned that a significant humanitarian crisis is unfolding, with nearly two million residents now homeless.
Fanwo stated, “The National Emergency Management Agency cannot afford to wait any longer. We are already overwhelmed by the situation.”
He described the current emergency as dire, noting that the flooding has submerged more than 200 communities and displaced close to two million individuals.
“Currently, nine out of the 21 Local Government Areas in the state are affected, which amounts to nearly 50% of all local governments. We have established approximately 68 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, but they are insufficient to accommodate such a large population. Furthermore, schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure have been destroyed,” he added.
Fanwo expressed the distressing sight of elderly individuals and young children suffering in the aftermath of the floods. “We did not lose any lives due to the activation of our early warning and awareness plans. However, we are incurring significant expenses daily, which are not enough to address the crisis. We urgently call on the Federal Government, international donor agencies, NGOs, and philanthropists to assist us,” he urged.
In response to the unfolding disaster, the State Government has formed a Flood Disaster Response Team led by the Deputy Governor, reaffirming its commitment to support those affected by the floods. Among the hardest-hit Local Government Areas are Kogi, Lokoja, Adavi, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Idah, and Ibaji.
