Benue: Heavy rainfall submerges houses, roads in Makurdi
A prolonged downpour in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, prompted significant flooding on Monday, affecting homes and streets and leaving residents and commuters grappling with rising waters.
The rain, which persisted for more than nine hours, began in the early morning and impacted numerous neighborhoods, including Achussa, New GRA, areas near Radio Benue, Nyiman, Idye, Naka Road, North Bank, Ankpa Quarters, Tilley Gyado-Terwase Agbadu, Wurukum, and Wadata.
Residents reported floodwater entering their homes, damaging personal belongings and food supplies. Many motorists faced difficulties navigating the inundated roads.
A reporter visiting several affected areas noted that residential and commercial properties near ongoing construction sites and close to riverbanks suffered extensive damage due to the flooding.
Agbo Benedict, a local resident, attributed some of the flooding issues to blocked drainage systems linked to road construction. He urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to direct contractors to clear obstructed channels to restore proper water flow.
“Closure of roads and drainage channels by construction companies has contributed to the flooding,” Agbo added.
Another resident, Angela Ortyon, remarked that, while the situation could have been worse without some of the drainage projects implemented by the government, ongoing construction work may have exacerbated conditions by blocking drainage channels.
Terna Ager, the Information Officer for the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed receipt of reports regarding flooding in Achussa. However, he indicated that agency officials had not yet conducted an assessment of the affected area.
