Makurdi Flood: Residents Narrate How 9-Hour Rainfall Submerged Their Houses

Victims of the Makurdi flood have narrated how a nine-hour rainfall submerged their houses in the Benue State capital on Monday, leaving many residents stranded.

The torrential downpour, which started early Monday and continued into the evening, affected several communities, including Achusa, Wadata, Wurukum, Logo, Ankpa Quarters and North Bank, among other flood-prone areas.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP, one of the victims in Logo community, Iorwuese Terlumun, said he discovered at midnight that floodwater had taken over his rented apartment.

“I only managed to remove my mattress. My books and some of my certificates were all dancing on the water,” he said.

Another victim in Wurukum, behind the market, Sylvester Orya, said floodwater submerged his compound.

“I started feeling cold like I am inside water before I knew I was almost on top of water. The cloth I wore and slept in was completely soaked in the water. I thank God no life was lost,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Information Officer of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Tema Ager, confirmed the flooding but said water entered some residents’ houses, while some houses were submerged in Achusa.

Ager said an unconfirmed report indicated that a 10-year-old boy died during the incident, adding that the agency was yet to confirm the report.

“Water entered many houses due to the downpour on Monday. We had issued notices to residents staying in flood-prone areas to vacate those areas. We will assess the affected areas tomorrow,” she stated.

The SEMA official said the agency would assess the affected areas to determine the extent of the damage caused by the rainfall and flooding.