Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Makurdi

Several communities in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, experienced flooding after a heavy rain that lasted about 12 hours from Sunday night into Monday.

The rain started on Sunday night and continued into Monday. Many houses and streets were left under water.

Reports indicate that the affected areas included Achusa, Rice Mill in Wadata, Idye, and Naka Road.

The flooding was made worse by ongoing road construction and unfinished drainage channels. Some of these channels overflowed into nearby communities.

Our correspondent, who observed the situation, noted that homes and eateries near construction sites and by riverbanks suffered the most. Floodwater covered streets and entered some houses.

A resident of Achusa, who preferred to be called Debby, said the rain damaged many houses in her community.

She shared, "You know that the rain started on Sunday and continued today (Monday). Though it was not that heavy, it has flooded our community and affected some residential houses.

"Let me commend the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, for addressing the issue of constant flooding in Makurdi through the ongoing road construction and drainage projects.

"However, the state government should direct the construction companies handling the roads to open some of the blocked channels to allow the free flow of water.

"My observation is that the indiscriminate closure of roads and streets, as well as the blockage of drainage channels, contributed to the flooding we experienced today."

When we reached out, the Information Officer of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Tema Ager, confirmed that they had received reports of flooding in Achusa but had not yet visited the area for an assessment.

Ager stated, "Yes, we received a report of flooding in Achusa, but we have yet to go there for an assessment."