FG pledges to dredge River Benue, construct drainages

The Federal Government will dredge River Benue and construct drainages in Makurdi to address the menace of flood. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who made the pledge at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, said the Federal Government is worried about the flooding challenge in the state and is out to find a lasting solution to it.

He said government has sent eight eight trucks of assorted relief materials and additional five were on the way for victims, stressing that those were only meant to provide immediate relief to victims.

“I am here on behalf of Mr. President who is very much concerned about the flood disaster not just in Benue State, but in the whole of Nigeria. It is the concern of the president to put a more lasting solution to the flood which has ravaged parts of the country.”

Governor Samuel Ortom took the Vice President, who was in Benue, to assess the damage caused by the flood, to the devastated areas. He commended the Federal Government for the prompt response to the plight of the victims, saying it has helped in great measure in bringing relief to the victims.

He appealed to the government to dredge River Benue and complete the Wurukum, Idye drainage system, which has been abandoned by the contractor. Meanwhile, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria has said the flood may have displaced over 110,000 people.

The National Director, Programmes and Projects, Adeniyi Balogun, who disclosed this in Abuja, expressed worry over the devastating effect of the flood, saying those displaced have been left without access to clean water, food, shelter, healthcare and other basic needs.

While calling on stakeholders in disaster management to assist the displaced persons, Balogun said his organisation has been working closely with the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross to support efforts in alleviating the extensive losses and damage caused by the natural disaster.

He disclosed that in conjunction with their partners they had donated cash, food, clothing materials, drugs and other supplies to support the victims.

It has also set up locations where the relief materials can be coordinated in different parts of the country in addition to an integrated online portal.