Kogi State Opens 42 IDP Camps as Floods Displace Residents in Five Communities

Rising floodwaters in Kogi State have displaced hundreds of families, forcing them to seek refuge in 42 newly opened Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Communities in Ibaji and Kogi Local Government Areas, including Ota, Ofogbo, Itima, and Owara, have been submerged, leaving residents grappling with the loss of homes, crops, and livelihoods.

At the IDP camps in Lokoja, stories of resilience and hardship emerge daily. Among the displaced is 42-year-old Mrs. Grace Abubakar, who fled Ota with her three children after floodwaters inundated her home. “We lost everything,” she said. “But at least we are safe now, and the government has provided food and water.” Others expressed gratitude for prompt relocation efforts but warned that the rising waters continue to threaten their future.

Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mouktar Atima, confirmed that government teams are working round the clock to support affected families. “Our priority is to safeguard lives,” he said during a meeting with key stakeholders in Lokoja. “We urge residents in flood-prone areas to move to higher grounds and follow safety instructions.”

The government and humanitarian partners have mobilized relief materials, including food, clean water, and medical support, while monitoring river levels and planning for potential further evacuations. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of collaboration among agencies, community leaders, and residents to minimize the devastating effects of the floods.

For families like the Abubakars, the flooding is a stark reminder of the ongoing vulnerability of communities in low-lying areas. Authorities are encouraging residents to heed warnings, secure property where possible, and report emergencies promptly. While the waters continue to rise, the spirit of solidarity among affected communities and the swift response of the government and humanitarian agencies offer a glimmer of hope amid the crisis.

📩 Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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