Flood Submerges Over 500 Houses In Kogi
No fewer than 500 houses have been submerged and property worth millions of naira destroyed following a devastating flood in Kabba, headquarters of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Locals disclosed on Monday that the flood, which lasted three days, was triggered by uninterrupted rainfall that caused streams and brooks to overflow, wreaking havoc across several communities.
Idde-Iyah community in the Kabba metropolis was identified as the worst-hit area. Locals said the downpour began on Wednesday night and continued till Saturday, leading to massive flooding.
“The flood affected over 500 households, places of worship, and claimed the lives of more than 1,500 domestic animals,” a resident, Lawal Abejide, said.
The Obaladugbo of Ekiri Quarter in Idde-Iyah also lost his home and belongings to the flood.
A former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Mathew Kolawole, described the flood as more than just an environmental disaster.
He said it had created a humanitarian crisis that threatened the safety, dignity and livelihood of the people.
Kolawole called for serious investment in flood control systems, proper urban planning and drainage infrastructure.
“Beyond emergency relief, we must invest in preventing such disasters from recurring,” he said.
A source at the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said they were aware of the incident but were yet to receive an official report.
(Osun Defender, rejigged)
