Over 500 houses have been submerged, while properties worth millions of naira have been lost due to floods in Kabba, the headquarters of kabba/Bunu local government area of kogi state.
The disaster destroyed over 500 houses, leaving many families without shelter.
Locals disclosed on Monday that the rainfall occurred consistently for three days without ceasing, making streams and brooks in the areas to overflow its banks, and flooded the communities, with devastating effects.
Among others, the Idde-Iyah community in the kabba metropolis was said to be hardest-hit by the incident, resulting from rainfall that started from Wednesday night.
A traditional ruler of Idde-Iyah community, Chief Obahunlewo, the Obaladugbo of Ekiri Quarter was reported to have lost his his home, including personal belongings.
“The water flood affected over 500 households, places of worship, and claimed the lives of more than 1,500 domestic animals
“Chief Obahunlewo, the Obaladugbo of Ekiri Quarter in Idde-Iyah, a retired police officer currently undergoing medical treatment; the Royal Father was left in tears as his home and belongings were completely destroyed by the flood.
“The Source of Life Mountain of Redemption Church (Abosede) and all the mosques in the areas were washed off by the flood water too.
“Musical instruments and chairs and mats, including spiritual books and others were lost in the process, leaving worshippers and faithful without a place of worship,” said lawal Abejide, a resident and leader of one of the affected communities in Kabba/ Bunu,” the tradiotional ruler said.
Also, a resident of Kabba and former Assembly speaker, Rt Hon. Mathew Kolawole, described the disaster as not just an environmental incident, but a humanitarian crisis affecting the dignity, safety, and livelihood of their people.
Kolawole emphasized the importance of flood control measures, proper environmental planning, and drainage infrastructure development, saying: “beyond emergency relief, we must invest in preventing such disasters from recurring.”
A source at the kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) expressed concern over the incident.
“We are aware of the incident over the weekend; but yet to get official reports over it”, the source said.
