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Governor Ortom appeals to FG over Benue flood

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Governor Ortom

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has called on the federal government for help over massive flood which occurred recently in Makurdi, the state capital.

It was a disaster for some areas in Makurdi metropolis on Wednesday, as flood ravaged the state after a five-hour downpour, leaving several residents homeless.

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Punch reports that the flooded areas are Zone 4, Wurukum, Gebade, Nyinma, Ghana, Naka Road, Wadatta Gboko Road and Media village in Achusa, after a rain that fell from around 12.24 AM and lasted until 5 AM

According to Dailypost, Ortom, inspected the submerged areas in Maiduguri yesterday, described the problem as overwhelming and made appeal to the Nigerian government to come to the state rescue to avoid recurrence of 2012 experience.

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The governor also lamented that the flood menace upsurged in the state at the period his administration was battling with challenges of salary payment.

The governor, however, called on those living in flood prone areas across the state to vacate the areas.

He also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to liaise with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to seek means of assisting those who have been displaced.

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He frowned at building of houses on drainage channels and flood plains, stating that such structures would be demolished.

Dailypost reports that during the inspection, Ortom visited Radio Benue transmission adjoining station which has been submerged by water and also went to Katsina-Ala Street and areas adjoining where displaced residents appealed for assistance.

At the streets behind the Benue Civil Service Commission, Ortom was told that a contractor was given about N1 billion to provide drainage channels but absconded.

He said the matter was being handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).