Flood submerges communities in Kogi; SEMA warns residents to move to higher ground!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa
Lokoja, Kogi State — Floodwaters have swept through parts of Kogi State, with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) reporting that Ibaji Local Government Area in the state’s eastern senatorial district is now completely submerged. The agency has urged river-bank communities to relocate immediately to safer, higher ground as water levels from the Niger and Benue rise.
Alhaji Mouktar (Mouktar Atimah/Atima), Executive Secretary of Kogi SEMA, who is leading the state’s emergency response and preparedness team, warned that the situation is critical and that residents living along the banks of the major rivers face imminent danger if they do not move. He said the agency is monitoring the waterways closely and coordinating evacuations where needed.
The state government has activated emergency measures and prepared temporary camps to receive displaced persons. Authorities say multiple internally displaced persons (IDP) camps have been readied across affected areas to support families forced from their homes.
Impact so far
Local reports and earlier assessments indicate that flooding in recent months has repeatedly affected Ibaji and other low-lying LGAs in Kogi, destroying farmlands, inundating homes, and displacing thousands. Officials have previously warned that the combined rise of the Rivers Niger and Benue — driven by upstream releases and heavy seasonal rainfall — increases the risk of widespread inundation across riverine communities.
Government response and pleas for help
Kogi State authorities say they have mobilised SEMA teams and opened an emergency operations centre to coordinate relief, while also appealing for federal assistance for dredging and longer-term flood mitigation measures (including dams and channel clearing) to reduce future disasters. Humanitarian groups and local NGOs have previously called for more resources to assist affected communities with shelter, food, clean water and medical support.
What residents should do
SEMA is advising:
Immediate relocation from river banks to designated higher ground or IDP centres.
Avoid attempt to cross floodwaters; use boats only when coordinated by rescue teams.
Report missing or trapped persons to local emergency responders and the nearest SEMA contact point
Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as SEMA and state authorities release more information.
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