The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Mouktar Atima, has raised the alarm that the Ibaji Local Government Area has been completely submerged by floodwaters, warning communities along the banks of Rivers Niger and Benue to relocate to safer grounds urgently.

Atima sounded the warning during an advocacy visit by the Emergency Response and Critical Team to the state Commissioner of Health, Dr Adams Abdullazeez, in Lokoja.

According to him, water levels in the Rivers Niger and Benue had reached critical points, with experts predicting that more excess water would be released into the rivers from Tuesday night, leading to further overflow.

“No fewer than 258 communities across eight local government areas have been marked as flood-prone areas,” Atima said.

“Already, five communities in Ibaji LGA have been the worst hit, including Ota, Ofogbo, Itima and Owara in Kogi LGA. We have activated 42 IDP camps and opened an Emergency Operations Centre to manage those displaced.”

He warned that the state would be entering a “difficult period” within the next 72 hours, stressing the urgent need for preparedness.

Responding, Health Commissioner Dr Abdullazeez said his ministry had gone beyond healthcare services into human services, assuring residents that the ministry was fully prepared to tackle any emergency.

He disclosed that fumigation had already commenced in all 42 IDP camps to curb possible outbreaks of disease.

“My ministry is aware there may be an outbreak of diseases or epidemics in the camps, and we are fully prepared,” he assured.

Abdullazeez commended Governor Usman Ododo for his proactive interventions, noting that last year’s prompt action by the state ensured that no life was lost despite widespread flooding.

Atima urged residents in flood-prone zones to heed evacuation warnings and move into the designated camps without delay, adding that the collaboration between SEMA and the Ministry of Health was key to preventing casualties.

“The support we received last year was responsible for the zero-casualty record. We must not relent this year,” he stressed.

The flooding of Ibaji comes as Kogi braces for what could be one of its most severe flood seasons in recent years, with communities already reporting damage to homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.