A heavy downpour on Wednesday has caused a great flood which hit most parts of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, leaving many houses submerged to about four feet below the water, thereby rendering many residents homeless and restless.

The torrential rainfall, which started at about 8:30am, was accompanied with great winds at the outskirts of Makurdi, including the North Bank, Achusa, International Market, Wurukum Market, as well as Ankpa Quarter before subsequently spreading to the other areas.

New National Star visited the affected areas where inhabitants were rendered homeless and restless as result of the flooding caused by the heavy rainfall.

At Achusa, Peter Adeh lamented the pathetic condition, saying that his compound was absolutely submerged in the water.

A resident at North Bank expressed shock with the spate of flooding, saying his family of six have been subjected to great worry as the flood has caused untold damage and dissatisfaction.

A trader at Wurukum Market, Pius Luka, who was visibly disappointed with the flooding, prayed to God for amicable resolutions to ensure properties are not destroyed.

Residential houses at the International Market were threatened by erosion. Those, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, called on the state government to provide drainages where the water channels can flow easily.

At Ankpa Quarter suburb, a former state legislator, Hon Abiem Nongo, called on the state government to intervene.

“We appreciate the efforts of the current dispensation in the state. We’re calling on the state government to intervene and ameliorate the situation,” he urged.

Attempts to get the Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment to comment on the disaster failed, as the newly sworn-in commissioners were yet to be assigned portfolios in the state.