Residents Of Kogi Riverbanks Warned To Move Due To Safety Concerns
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has advised residents living along riverbanks in Kogi State to move to higher ground in light of potential flooding predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
During a sensitization campaign at the palace of Ata Igala and Eje-Ibaji, Managing Director Sadiq Yelwa emphasized the urgency of this warning to mitigate the devastation that could result from imminent floods. He noted that flooding is a natural occurrence that cannot be prevented, but its impact can be managed to lessen damage, as seen in the severe flooding experienced in 2022 across Kogi and other states.
“We are committed to providing early warnings to all N-HYPPADEC communities. We have been urging the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency based on the warnings from NiMet and local observations,” Yelwa stated. He described the situation as alarming and stressed the need for vigilance among residents, especially at night when floods can strike unexpectedly.
Yelwa also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to assist in encouraging those living near riverbanks to move to safer areas until conditions improve. To support local communities, the commission has procured two boats for Ibaji, which will be launched next Thursday.
Additionally, Yelwa led technical teams from N-HYPPADEC and the Kogi State Ministry of Water Resources to the dormant Idah waterworks, abandoned since 2012, assuring residents that efforts would be made to revive the facility to supply water to Idah and surrounding areas.
Eje Ibaji, John Egwemi, praised N-HYPPADEC for its ongoing support during flooding crises and requested the construction of a road from Idah to Ibaji. Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Water Resources, Omakoju Alhassan, expressed confidence in the commission’s plans to restore the Idah waterworks, aiming to alleviate water scarcity in the region.
