By Stephen Simon
Several houses, churches, schools and business premises have been submerged in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, following a prolonged downpour that left many communities and major roads flooded.
The heavy rainfall, which began on Sunday night and continued into Monday, affected several parts of the metropolis, including Achussa, New GRA, areas behind Radio Benue, Nyiman, Idye, Naka Road, North Bank, Ankpa Quarters, Tilley Gyado-Terwase Agbadu, Wurukum and Wadata. Residents said floodwater entered homes and destroyed household items and foodstuff, while commuters were stranded as streets became impassable.
The flooding was particularly severe around ongoing construction sites and communities close to riverbanks. At Gyado Villa, where many students of Benue State University reside off campus, several apartments were reportedly inundated, forcing residents to move their belongings to safer locations. Affected residents also reported flooding around Wurukum Market, Wadata Rice Mill, Awe Street and parts of the New GRA.
Residents blamed part of the problem on blocked or unfinished drainage channels associated with ongoing road projects. Frank Tion urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to direct contractors to reopen blocked waterways and ensure that drainage channels remain accessible during construction. Another resident, Theresa Andyson, however, said the situation could have been worse without some of the major drainage projects already constructed by the state government.
The latest flooding comes weeks after serious flooding was reported in Achussa, prompting state government officials to inspect affected areas. During that assessment, officials attributed some previous flooding to developments obstructing natural waterways, while the government said ongoing road and drainage projects were intended to improve water flow and reduce the problem.
The heavy rain also affected road transport. A fuel tanker was reportedly trapped after a section of the Makurdi-Otukpo road was washed away by the rainfall, raising concerns among motorists and residents around the affected section, where construction is ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Information Officer of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Terna Ager, confirmed that the agency had received reports of flooding in Achussa but said officials had yet to visit the community to assess the extent of the damage. The latest incident has renewed concerns over drainage, road construction and the recurring flooding problem in parts of Makurdi.
