The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned residents in several riverine and flood-prone parts of Kogi State, including Idah, Ibaji, Lokoja, Bassa and Itobe, to prepare for possible flooding as river levels rise across parts of the country.
The warning followed a high-risk riverine flood advisory issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which placed Kogi among 15 states requiring heightened monitoring between September 19 and 25.
NEMA said its Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, had activated the agency’s zonal directorates and operations offices in the affected states to remain on standby and strengthen preparedness for possible flood emergencies.
Idah, Ibaji, Lokoja, Bassa Among Kogi Areas of Concern
For Kogi, the alert is particularly significant for communities situated around major waterways and floodplains.
Idah, Ibaji, Lokoja and Bassa are among the areas identified as vulnerable, while Itobe, a riverine community in Ofu Local Government Area, is also exposed to flood risks.
The wider Kogi flood-risk assessment has previously identified 10 local government areas as high-risk zones, including Ajaokuta, Omala, Kogi, Lokoja, Ofu, Bassa, Idah, Adavi, Ibaji and Igalamela-Odolu. The Bureau Journal previously reported on the NiHSA flood alert affecting Kogi State.
Historical flood assessments also show the exposure of communities in Idah, Ibaji, Bassa, Lokoja and Ofu to flooding, underscoring the significance of the latest warning for residents living close to rivers and low-lying areas.
NEMA Activates Emergency Response Structures
According to NEMA, the latest alert was triggered by a NIHSA forecast of high riverine flood risk resulting from rising river levels.
Umar directed NEMA offices covering the affected states to activate existing preparedness mechanisms, maintain close coordination with state and local authorities and other response stakeholders, and closely monitor vulnerable communities.
The agency said its teams would remain prepared to support emergency response interventions where necessary.
The warning comes as Kogi continues to face recurring environmental pressures linked to flooding, erosion and the vulnerability of communities located along major waterways.
Residents in Flood-Prone Kogi Communities Told to Move Early
NEMA urged residents living on floodplains, riverbanks, low-lying areas and other exposed locations to take the warning seriously and move to identified safe and higher ground before flood conditions become critical.
The agency specifically called for adequate protection of vulnerable residents, including children, older persons, pregnant women and persons with disabilities, during any evacuation or other precautionary measures.
Residents in Idah, Ibaji, Lokoja, Bassa, Itobe and other exposed communities are also advised to continue monitoring official updates rather than waiting until floodwaters become dangerous before taking action.
State, Local Governments Asked to Pre-Position Relief Materials
NEMA also called on state and local government authorities to activate their emergency preparedness mechanisms and pre-position essential relief and response materials at strategic locations on higher ground.
The materials should include food and non-food items, safe drinking water, water-treatment supplies, first-aid and medical materials and rescue equipment, according to the agency.
Early positioning of such materials could allow emergency responders to reach affected communities more quickly if flooding leads to displacement or cuts off access routes.
The emphasis on preparedness is particularly important in Kogi, where previous flooding has affected homes, farms, roads and other community infrastructure.
NEMA Warns Against Crossing Flooded Roads, Rivers
The agency also cautioned residents against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water, whether on foot or in vehicles.
Residents were advised to follow evacuation instructions whenever they are issued and to rely on official flood warnings and updates from NEMA, NIHSA and other relevant authorities.
The warning is especially important for communities around river channels and floodplains, where rapidly changing water levels can create dangerous conditions with little time for response.
Flood Alert Adds to Kogi’s Environmental Challenges
The latest warning adds to the environmental challenges facing Kogi communities. Beyond flooding, erosion and land degradation have also affected infrastructure and livelihoods in different parts of the state.
Recent environmental interventions elsewhere in Nigeria have highlighted the importance of combining flood preparedness with effective drainage, erosion control and protection of vulnerable communities. The Bureau Journal recently reported on World Bank-backed gully erosion and flood-control projects in Kebbi State.
For Kogi residents in vulnerable locations, however, the immediate priority is preparedness as the current high-risk period continues.
Residents in Idah, Ibaji, Lokoja, Bassa, Itobe and other exposed communities are urged to remain alert, avoid unnecessary contact with floodwaters and act promptly on official evacuation warnings.
NIHSA is continuing to monitor river levels and hydrological conditions, while NEMA says its emergency structures remain on standby to support affected states and communities.
Get breaking news and latest updates directly on WhatsApp
