Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State has made an impassioned plea to the Federal Government to provide assistance to the state government in the form of relief supplies as communities struggle with the devastating effects of flooding in some areas of Kogi State.
Aliyu who made the call at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja also expressed concern about a potential outbreak of communicable diseases if immediate action is not taken to lessen the suffering of the populace.
The minister in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Mr Austine Elemue lamented that significant man-hours are being lost on the road due to the Lokoja/Abuja expressway’s importance as a key link between the north and southern part of the country.
The statement reads; “Access to shops and hospitals is by canoes and ferry boats. Houses are submerged to the roof-top, while most smaller buildings are completely submerged.
“We fear an outbreak of diseases. We need medical attention. Some have no food or clean drinking water.
“As it is, from the Koton Karfe area before the bridge, commuters spend more than 11 hours on that stretch with no food and water.”
The minister while commending the state government’s decision of evacuating persons living along the low plains, called for urgent federal intervention before the flood gets to the upper land as it is already threatening.
“Some areas that are very deep, they had to evacuate them to the upper land your excellency, but even at that, it keeps coming. As of yesterday, the level has increased.
“Your Excellency, may I use this opportunity to draw your attention and the attention of the federal government to seek support for the people of Kogi State and Kogi State itself,” she appealed.
Aliyu, who also drew FEC attention to the danger the road poses to commuters, however, stated that several trucks could have plunged into the river, but for the insight and expertise of the drivers.
“Your Excellency, this is one of the gateway cities and the major road that links the north and south. This portends danger, especially for passersby who may not be conversant with the area, like the luxurious bus operators, because the bridge has been submerged in the last three to four days and that in itself is scary”.
The minister adds; “This is the reason I call your attention and the attention of FEC as I also seek the support of my sister, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, who has always been there for areas in dire need, to also look into this for quick intervention.
“Your Excellency, I wish to bring to your attention, that it is a looming danger, from disease outbreak to death, as we have already recorded four casualties”.