Residents of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital are currently sleeping with one of their eyes closed for fear of possiblity of another flood disaster, following a
noticeable increase in the water levels of River Niger and River Benue.
Lokoja, which was affected by the 2012 flood disaster, is a confluence point for River Niger and River Benue.
The Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) had in its 2013 weather
forecasts, listed Kogi as one of the states likely to experience
flooding this year.
Nine Local Government Areas in the state, including the Lokoja Local
Government, were affected by the disaster last year. The disaster which
rendered thousands homeless, also washed away farmlands, poultry and
fish ponds, killing 13 people.
People residing on the bank of River Niger said that they noticed a
steady rise in the water level about five days ago, expressing fear that
the river might overflow its banks soon.
One of them, Mrs Rekiya Mohammed, who spoke to the News Agency of
Nigeria correspondent, said that many residents were aware of the NIMET
forecast.
She said, however, that the residents had no alternative place to relocate to, as they were born and raised up in the area.
The Kogi Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, also confirmed the increase
in water level, advising those living in flood-prone areas to relocate
immediately.
Awoniyi, who also doubles as the Chairman of the State Emergency
Management Agency said that the state was not ready to go through
another harrowing experience of flood disaster.
He appealed to the affected residents to relocate to higher plains in
the state, adding that reports reaching the government indicated that
the water levels in both rivers were on the increase.
He appealed specifically to residents of Adankolo, Sarki Noma and
Gadumo, to avoid a repeat of last year’s painful experience by moving
out of the areas without further delay.
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