Kogi Residents in Flood-prone Communities Advised to Relocate to Higher Ground »

The people of Kogi State living in flood-prone communities have been advised to relocate to highlands to avoid being victims of flooding.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, Hon. Onimisi Michael Ajibade, gave the advice at the weekend in a press statement in Lokoja.

According to him, the Federal Government of Nigeria recently predicted a five-day rainfall that may lead to devastating flooding across 21 states in Nigeria, including Kogi State.

The statement reads in parts: “The following locations in Kogi State are listed as high-risk areas:

Ugwolawo
Idah
Ibaji
Wara
Omala
Bassa
Ajaokuta
Lokoja
Edeha
Iganuma
Akpaku

“Climate change-induced flooding is real and poses a significant threat to our environment and economy. The recent flooding in Borno is a devastating example of the destructive and destabilising consequences of such events.

“The intensity and frequency of natural disasters like flooding and landslides have increased over several decades, resulting in loss of life, property damage, and environmental destruction.
“The number of people at risk from the devastating flooding experiences continues to rise every year.Most Nigerian cities are prone to flooding, which has continued to have a devastating impact on lives and properties.

“Inadequate and improperly constructed drainage facilities, building around coastal areas, incessant dumping of refuse, and increased rainfall are major risk factors for flooding devastations.

Speaking further, Hon. Onimis noted that the present administration under the leadership of Governor Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman is committed to taking actions that would mitigate against climate change impacts and is working assiduously to provide necessary emergency responses where needed.

“Take precautions. Make proactive arrangements for safety and early evacuation to higher altitude areas. Avoid waiting for last-minute emergency actions that could lead to unexpected loss of lives and properties,” he cautioned.

“Indeed, the rain is still somewhat on a rampage, and it is important to remind the public, especially those who live in the above-listed areas and other areas that are generally prone to flooding, to beware! They are strongly advised to take precautions and make adequate proactive arrangements for safety and early evacuation to places of higher altitude. We must not wait for last-minute emergency actions that could lead to unexpected loss of lives and properties. Let our actions be deliberate, proactive, decisive, and effective. Because climate change is real, and its devastating impacts are real.”

End.