Relocate to safer locations, Kogi Govt counsels residents in flood prone areas

In a proactive manner to curtail the adverse impact of the anticipated seasonal flooding, Kogi State Government has passionately appealed to residents living in flood-prone communities to start relocating to safer areas as part of early preventive measures.

This charge was contained in a press statement on Wednesday, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja.

Fanwo noted that the state has endured a “terrible history of flood devastation” over the past two decades, with recurring destruction of property and mass displacement of residents.

The Commissioner stressed the importance of proactive relocation by residents of flood-prone areas to avert avoidable casualties in the months ahead.

“We’ve had a terrible history of flood devastation over the last two decades. While the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will be busy in the next months to avert casualties and also cater for displaced people, we urge people in flood-prone areas to vacate the danger zones to safer grounds,” the statement read.

Fanwo acknowledged the deep emotional and cultural attachment many residents have to their ancestral homes but urged them to prioritize safety and survival above all else.

“It’s understandable that many are emotionally connected to their ancestral lands, but we must put safety first. You have to be alive to stay in your ancestral homes. Let all of us commit to safety first,” Fanwo stressed.

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He reassured residents that the Kogi State Government remains fully committed to supporting those at risk of displacement, and that efforts are already underway through relevant agencies to mitigate the impact of the flood season.

“We want to assure our people that the government won’t abandon them. The flood has sadly become an annual occurrence, but it is receiving the attention it deserves,” he said.

Fanwo also appealed for assistance from the Federal Government, development partners, and non-governmental organisations, pointing out that the scale of the challenge requires a multi-agency response.

“We need help from the Federal Government and its agencies. We need help from non-governmental organisations. We need help from everyone. But before then, we’ll work hard to help ourselves,” he said.

The Commissioner urged community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organisations to join the government in sensitizing residents, ensuring timely and safe evacuation from high-risk zones.