Kogi Flood Update: Thousands Homeless In Lokoja

Unabating flood is threatening to sack flood-displaced people at their camp in the LGEA Primary School camp in Lokoja, capital of Kogi state, in central Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the camp, believed to be a safe haven has come under water.
The head of the camp, Mr Joe Uhunmwangho, told NAN in Lokoja on Saturday that the state government had been notified, adding that the people would be relocated to another primary school in the area.

He said that 187 displaced persons, comprising 75 female and 56 male adults, 27 male and 29 female children, were currently being kept in the camp.
Uhunmwangho said the camp was one of the three established in Lokoja in the wake of the flooding of the state capital.
He said relief materials such as clothes, blanket and food items had been supplied to the camp by emergency relief agencies and the state government.

He, however, said there was a need for a medical team and an ambulance in the camp, saying that majority of the people appeared to be in need of medical attention.
Uhunmwangho said a pregnant woman at the camp gave birth to a baby girl on iFriday through caesarian operation at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja.
He said the woman and her baby were in good condition.

Meanwhile, public spirited individuals and groups have started rendering assistance to the flood victims by donating food and other essential items for their upkeep in the camps.
One of them, Mrs Pauline Baba, pledged to feed 300 out of the 400 victims at St. Luke Primary School, Adankolo, daily.
Baba, who was permitted to start the arrangement by camp officials, told NAN that she decided to intervene out of concern for the victims.

The donor said she was permitted to help only victims in Adankolo camp, adding that she would provide water and soft drinks on daily.
Also, the Kogi Chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) visited the three camps in Lokoja and donated essential items.
The state Chairman of PFN, Bishop John Ibenu, who led the delegation, presented items, including bags of rice, drugs, clothing, detergents and toiletry.

Ibenu said he was informed that the right types of drugs needed by victims were out of stock and advised the government to make proper enquiry on the actual needs of the people before making supplies to them.
He said the PFN gesture was in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ who commanded his followers to take care of those in need, the sick and prisoners.
The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Alice Ogedengbe, thanked the donors for the gifts. (NAN)