24 communities including Makurdi, the state capital has been submerged in flood. This was confirmed by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). Over 110,000 people have been displaced by the flood in recent months.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Boniface Ortese, told newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday that over 2,769 households were also affected. He explained that places affected included Achusa, Idye, Wurukum Market, Genabe, Industrial Layout, Demekpe, Wadata Market, Katungu, behind the Civil Service Commission, Agboughul-Wadata among others.
Meanwhile, President Mohammadu Buhari has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately mobilize personnel and resources to provide aid to victims.
A statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, last night said Buhari is closely monitoring the situation and is receiving regular updates on the scale of the disaster, as well as the Federal Government’s humanitarian response.”
The statement said the president has also extended his sympathies to the government and people of Benue State, and assured that the Federal Government will make available any assistance needed to enable the state and affected communities cope with and surmount the impact
of the flooding.
