The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed that floods have completely submerged parts of Ibaji Local Government Area, with at least five communities already underwater.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mouktar Atimav, raised the alarm on Wednesday, urging residents living along river banks to relocate immediately to safer grounds as water levels in Rivers Niger and Benue continue to rise dangerously.

According to Atimav, reports from dam managers and environmental experts show that excessive water inflows have begun pouring into both rivers since Tuesday night, heightening the risk of overflow.

“No fewer than 258 communities in eight local government areas of the state have been marked as flood-prone areas. We have constructed 42 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps to shelter those who may be displaced, while an emergency operations centre is already active,” Atimav said.

He identified the worst-hit communities so far as Ota, Ofogbo, Itima, and Owara, all located in Ibaji LGA.

The SEMA boss also disclosed that the state Ministry of Health has been fully engaged in flood disaster preparedness, stressing that the next 72 hours will be particularly critical for affected areas.

He commended the proactive support of the Health Commissioner, noting that similar measures had contributed to zero casualties in last year’s flooding season.

Meanwhile, residents have been urged to stay alert and comply with relocation orders to prevent avoidable tragedies.