flooding

Flooding has devasted thousands of homes in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi state, leaving many travellers and residents stranded.

The flooding has left many without homes in Lokoja, causing the submerging of homes, farms and roads in the city. At least 5 people have reportedly died from the incident.

Flood from the River Niger has overflowed onto the Lokoja-Abuja road, submerging houses and farmland and causing many to flee from their houses as they seek safety.

The floods, as witnessed by many, have led to gridlock and delayed journeys for travellers plying the route.

Wide areas of the state of Kogi are underwater after the Niger and Benue rivers broke their banks. Floods in Lokoja, state capital of Kogi, Nigeria, late September 2022. Lokoja sits at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers.

The roughly 196 kilometres highway is one of the most critical roads in the country, being the major link between the North and South for the movement of people, goods through vehicular transportation.

Reacting to the issue of the flood, Engr Jimoh Kajogbola, the federal controller of works in Kogi State gave a warning statement for motorists and travellers to opt for alternative routes.

He said, “Due to the flooding in the country, River Niger has overflowed the Lokoja-Abuja dual carriageway at Koton-Karfe and rendered it dangerous to road users.

“Abuja-bound motorists from the South-West are advised to pass through the Ilorin-Mokwa-Bida road, while motorists from the East and South-South are advised to pass through Makurdi-Lafia road.”

He also urged that alternative routes should be followed for motorists plying the South-South, South-East and South-West bound motorists from the Northern parts of the country.

He said that the Abuja-Lafia-Makurdi-Otukpa road or Abuja-Bida-Mokwa-Jebba road should be considered for now until the water subsides at Koton-Karfe.