The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Makurdi

  • Flood: Health minister donates drugs to victims

    Flood: Health minister donates drugs to victims

    Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewale has donated drugs and relief materials  to  flood victims taking refuge at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Makurdi,  Benue State .

    Professor Adewale made the donation  during an assessment visit to the IDPs camps at the Makurdi International Market and the Presidential Task force compound  at Abagena, North Bank.

    According him, the health needs of the IDPs at the two camps were being met which is  a reflection of the combined efforts and commitment of the Benue State Government and the Nigerian Air Force Medical Outposts at the camps.

    He stated that during the visit  which was to donate relief materials, including drugs and insecticide-treated nets, he will further assess the health needs of the victims with a view to complementing the efforts of the State government and the Airforce.

    The Health Minister said more support from the federal government should be expected soon.

    In an interview after the visit, Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr. Boniface Ortese said assessment  reports of flooded areas are being compiled from all the 21 local councils in the state which he said would be submitted to the United Nations in Abuja on Wednesday for necessary action.

    He said the uncompleted presidential compound at Abagena was inhabited by IDPs to avoid casualties that might be recorded as a result of rampant cases of building collapse in water logged areas.

    He refuted allegations that the agency had banned the media from covering activities at the camps.

    Mr. Ortese said as the fourth estate of the realm, the media, which he said had given adequate publicity about the floods to the international community could not be banned from doing follow up reports all of a sudden.
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  • REVEALED: Inside Benue IDPs camp

    REVEALED: Inside Benue IDPs camp

    RESIDENTS of Makurdi, Benue State capital, will not forget August 27, 2017, in a hurry. Indeed, many of them would wish the day had not come at all. Although they had been warned repeatedly of an impending flood disaster, not many took the warning seriously. Rather, they simply ignored the warnings and went about their normal businesses.

    Then came a downpour in Markurdi and surrounding communities at about 12.30 am on August 27, which lasted till about 4 am. The following night, the rain continued, starting at about the same hour it had started the previous day and continuing till early morning. The development spelt disaster for residents of Makurdi and its environs.

    Families went to bed only to wake up in the middle of the night to find themselves floating on water while their personal belongings were washed away. Vehicles were submerged while many people were rendered homeless. Traders lost goods worth millions of naira just as farmlands washed away to signal danger of imminent hunger in the land.

    The most affected areas included Idye, Achussah, Wurukum Market, Low Level, Wadata Rice, Gyado Villa and Welfare Quarters, all in Makurdi. According to available records with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), more than 100,000 persons were rendered homeless. Governor Samuel Ortom had to direct that the Makurdi International Market be temporarily converted into a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

    Those who moved into the camp and registered as IDPs are mostly women, children and the elderly as well as pregnant women and nursing mothers. The Nation investigation, however, revealed that for three days after they had moved into camps, the victims of the flood disaster had no food or water. There were also no mattresses, sleeping mats or toilets facilities.

    It was not until five days later that UNICEF moved in and dug a borehole in the camp to solve water problems while some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) provided food for the IDPs pending when the state and federal governments would take over.

    The medical personnel of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) moved into the camp to take care of the people’s health needs. NAF deployed doctors, nurses and drugs for the treatment of common ailments.

    The Nation observed cases of open defecation in the camp, which was basically due to lack of toilet facilities, triggering fears of a cholera outbreak. But succour seemed to come the way of the IDPs when the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) intervened with seven trucks of relief materials.

    Benue-born music star, Tuface Idibia, also visited and donated relief materials through his foundation. The Wife of the Governor of Benue State, Dr Eunice Ortom, through her NGO, Eunice Spring of Life Foundation (ESLF), also donated a set of relief materials.

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, arrived Makurdi and inspected the affected areas as well as the IDPs camp to assess the level of the disaster. Osinbajo assured the victims that government would look into the possibility of dredging River Benue to serve as a permanent solution to the flooding problem.

    But despite what seems to look now like comfortable life in the IDPs camp, shortly after the Vice President and his team left, events took a new turn. The IDPs complained that officials no longer served them food as was the case before the visit of the Vice President.

    A nursing mother with two children, Mrs Juliana Unande, said since the Vice President left, “my children and I have not seen the rice officials used to give us to cook and eat.

    She said for two days, they had struggled to get cooked food only from NGOs and not from SEMA,” wondering what the bags of rice in their store were meant for when IDPs were dying of hunger.

    Another IDP in the camp, Jonathan Amah, who said he was a farmer and all his crops had been washed away, accused camp officials of diverting relief materials to the detriment of the victims. The allegations were, however, denied by a SEMA official, who pleaded anonymity, saying that no relief material was missing.

    The Nation gathered that even though water had taken over many homes, many of those affected were not keen to move into the camp for fear of the unknown.

    There were reported cases of thieves using canoes to break into the houses of those who relocated away from their homes to steal their property.

    Governor Samuel Ortom said government on its part would review the plot allocations and building plans in Makurdi. He also directed that any house built on water channels be pulled down.

    Investigation revealed that not all the people in the IDPs camp were affected by the flood. Some lazy and unscrupulous elements took advantage of the distribution of free food to take refuge in Makurdi International Market to feed fat. Security agencies, including vigilante groups, are said to be on hand to checkmate such undesirable elements.

  • Flood: Air Force treats 200 IDP’s in Benue

    Flood: Air Force treats 200 IDP’s in Benue

    The Nigerian Air Force has administered free treatment to no fewer than 200 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the flood in Benue.

    Squadron Leader Jeremiah Amase, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi that some of the patients were suffering from hypertension, Malaria, diarrhea, upper and lower respiratory infections among others.

    The Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, had earlier inaugurated the “Medical Outreach Programme” to assist IDPs as part of the Nigerian Airforce’s (NAF) social responsibility to the people of the state.

    Amase explained that the over 200 patients attended to responded to treatment.

    He said that the clinic had not received any case beyond the medical team’s capability and commended the efforts of medical doctors from the Benue State University Makurdi for their collaboration.

    He, however, disclosed that the major challenge facing the camp was lack of water and poor sanitation system which he said was being addressed.

    NAN reports that the NAF is collaborating with the State Government, UNICEF and other international and local organisations to assist the flood victims.

    The Minister of State for Environment, Mr Ibrahim Jibril, has called on international donor agencies and other philanthropists to support Benue government in tackling the menace of flood in the state.

    Jibril stated this on Monday in Makurdi while on assessment tour of the flooded areas and some camps for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

    The minister, who expressed concerns over the level of devastation, said it was beyond the capacity of the state.
    He appealed to the International community to assist the state government tackle the disaster.

    He attributed the cause of the flood to indiscriminate building on waterways and the blockage of drains which interrupted water flow.

    “This situation is devastating; we will seek help from the international agencies for the flood victims in Benue.

    “Many people built on water ways and blocked water channels in Makurdi, I have gone round the town and discovered that there are buildings in areas that ordinarily should not harbor them.

    “It is not easy for the state government to demolish such buildings but we hope that the people will collaborate with the relevant government agencies to address the issue,” he said.

    He reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to assist the state to overcome the disaster.

    Also fielding questions from reporters, the Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu, said the state government was overwhelmed by the flood.

    He said that 21 local government councils were facing “serious ecological challenges”.

  • Makurdi: NAF provides medical assistance to flood victims

    Makurdi: NAF provides medical assistance to flood victims

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Monday, inaugurated medical assistance programme to meet the medical needs of the recent flood victims in Makurdi, Benue.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

    According to Adesanya, the programme was inaugurated by Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command (TAC) of NAF, AVM MA Idris.

    He said the programme was part of the Command’s corporate social responsibility and was borne out of the desire to contribute to the medical needs of the flood victims.

    Adesanya said that Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue thanked NAF for its assistance to the state, especially in the area of humanitarian services in the country.

    “A few days ago, following a downpour, many houses in Makurdi were submerged in flood water.

    “The persons affected by the flood were rendered homeless and several medical casualties were recorded.

    “Thousands of victims of the flood were accommodated at the Makurdi International Market, where NAF medical outpost programme was inaugurated,” he quoted Ortom as saying.

    The director recalled that NAF also recently transported the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other officials to Makurdi in response to a Presidential directive.

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has directed the Medical Services Branch of NAF to provide more drugs and deploy more medical personnel to complement the efforts of the command.

  • Flood: No food, mosquito nets, health facilities in Makurdi IDP camp

    Flood: No food, mosquito nets, health facilities in Makurdi IDP camp

    Mr James Iorhuna, manager of the camp hosting persons displaced by the Makurdi flood, has decried the poor state of social and medical facilities at the camp.

    Manager told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Makurdi that the camp, located at the Makurdi International Market, was “not habitable”.

    “Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) faced with health challenges have no place for medical attention; with 450 households already registered here, there is an urgent need for more facilities,” he said.

    The manager particularly regretted that the camp had no food, mosquito nets, health facilities, mattresses and other essentials that could guarantee minimum comfort for the flood victims.

    “The IDPs have nothing to eat. They are still waiting for the relief materials promised by government. For now, everyone is helpless,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Terwase Tarkende, an IDP, said that there was no facility “for the most minimum comfort”.

    Tarkende said that his son, James, who took ill two days ago had been starving and without any medical attention due to lack of funds.

    Another IDP, Mrs. Rosemary Audu, who is in the camp with her five children, complained of hunger.

    “We have not seen food since we arrived the camp,” she said.

    She appealed to the government to make immediate arrangements for feeding to avoid health complications arising from hunger. (NAN)

  • Over 100 people displaced by flood in Benue, houses, others affected

    Over 100 people displaced by flood in Benue, houses, others affected

     The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said over 110,000 people in 24 communities including Makurdi were displaced by flood.

    The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr Boniface Ortese, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi on Wednesday that over 2, 769 households were also affected.

     Achusa, 200 houses were affected with 5,125 persons displaced

    Idye, 217 houses were affected while 5,200 persons were displaced.

    Wurukum Market, 218 houses were affected with 1,000 persons displaced

    Genabe, 200 houses were affected with 5,021 persons displaced

    Industrial Layout, 69 houses were flooded and 4,310 persons displaced

    Demekpe, 111 houses were affected while 7,820 persons displaced

    Wadata Market, market150 houses were affected and 4,300 persons were displaced.

    Agboughul-Wadata 201 houses were affected and 5,728 persons displaced

    Katungu, 6,031 persons displaced, 137 houses were flooded

    Behind the Civil Service Commission, 200 houses were submerged in flood and 5,777 persons were displaced.

    Meanwhile, the state commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Mr Joseph Utsev has urged the Federal Government to include Benue among states to benefit from the N1.6 billion ecological intervention fund.

    Utsev said that since 2013, the state had not received any ecological assistance from the Federal Government.

    He said that if adequate budgetary provisions were made, many disasters may be mitigated since natural disasters could only be controlled.

    The commissioner said that dredging the River Benue would provide permanent solution to the recurring flood in the state.

    “Benue Government is looking for ways in which River Benue can be dredged; this is because by dredging the river, majority of the water can be accommodated and thus, prevent future overflow.

    “The ongoing research so far, shows that the preliminary study would cost about N8 billion while the main project would gulp about N300 billion.

    “And this is where we need Federal Government financial intervention to execute the project, since the funds are much,’’ he said.

  • Makurdi flood : 110,000 persons, 24 communities displaced

    Makurdi flood : 110,000 persons, 24 communities displaced

    More than 110,000 persons in 24 communities, including Makurdi, have been displaced by flood in Benue state.

    The Executive Secretary of the the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Boniface Ortese who disclosed the this on Wednesday said  over 2, 769 households were also affected.

    He explained that places affected included Achusa, Idye, Wurukum Market, Genabe, Industrial Layout, Demekpe, Wadata Market, Katungu, behind the Civil Service Commission, Agboughul-Wadata among others in Makurdi.

    “In Achusa, 200 houses were affected with 5,125 persons displaced, in Idye 217 houses while 5,200 persons were displaced.

    “Also, behind the Civil Service Commission, 200 houses were submerged in flood and 5,777 persons were displaced.

    “At Genabe, 200 houses were affected with 5,021 persons displaced, 218 houses around the Wurukum market were affected with 1,000 persons displaced, and at Wadata market150 houses were affected and 4,300 persons were displaced.

    “Similarly at Industrial layout, 69 houses were flooded and 4,310 persons displaced; Demekpe 111 houses were affected while 7,820 persons displaced,’’ the official said..

    Ortese further said that 137 houses were flooded in Katungu, with 6,031 persons displaced while at Agboughul-Wadata 201 houses were affected and 5,728 persons displaced.

    He said government was doing everything within its little resources to assist flood victims in the state.

    The State Government has however announced the official opening of two camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

    Gov. Samuel Ortom made the announcement after inspecting flooded areas within Makurdi and its environs.

    Ortom said the empty International Market and the Presidential Building at Agan Toll Gate would become camps for IDPs, pending when water level would subside.

    He explained that his administration would do everything possible to provide minimum comfort to all displaced persons while in camps.

    He added that “as you can see, the level of flood water is increasing, more houses are being submerged and more of our people are displaced.

    “We hope Federal Government will come to our aid as soon as possible; the flood committee headed by my deputy will ensure that victims have minimum comfort while in the camps”.

     

     

  • Torrential rain submerges houses in Makurdi

    Torrential rain submerges houses in Makurdi

    HEAVY rains have submerged houses in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

    The downpour, which started on Saturday, through Sunday, continued last night.

    The flooded areas include Achussah, Idye village, Naka Road and Gyado.

    Victims relocated to safe places. But those with no alternative watched as flood carried away their belongings.

    Women, with babies strapped to their backs, carried mattresses, leaving flooded settlements.

    Those who spoke to The Nation appealed to the government to relocate them.

    Investigation showed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), led by Mr. Boniface Ortese, was helpless, as it depends on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist victims.

    Last night, Governor Samuel Ortom was preparing to monitor the situation.

     

  • Flood submerges houses in Makurdi

    Flood submerges houses in Makurdi

    Rains, which lasted for over three hours, have submerged houses and rendered residents homeless in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

    Areas affected are Wurukum, Idye village and end of Vandeikya Street, all in Makurdi.

    Schools, hotels, markets and motor parks were taken over by water.

    Property worth millions of naira were destroyed at Wurukum market on Makurdi-Gboko Highway.

    Commercial vehicle operators at Wurukum motor park moved out of the place to Makurdi- Gboko highway, where they can easily carry and drop passengers.

    A commercial driver told The Nation they would carry and drop passengers by the side of the road until water dried up at the park.

    Yesterday, worshippers at Living Faith Church waded through flood before they entered the church, as its gate at Wurukum was flooded.

    Residents said they discovered their homes were flooded at night.

    They appealed to the government to assist them, as flood had displaced them.

    Governor Samuel Ortom, through his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, urged for calm, saying the government directed the Water and Environment Ministry to prepare relief packages.

    Akase advised people not to dump refuse in drainages.

  • BSU: 6,400 matriculate amid ASUU strike

    The matriculation of 6,400 new students by the Benue State University(BSU), Makurdi, coincided with the nationwide strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU).

    The matriculation ritual for new students for the 2016/2017 academic session, last week Wednesday, had hardly wrapped up when ASUU members, in the university joined their counterparts in other institutions.

    Barely two hours after the matriculation exercise, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, BSU chapter joined the nationwide strike declared by the national body of ASUU.

    ASUU-BSU chairman Prof David Ikoni, told The Nation that the union met same day of the matriculation, and resolved to join the strike.

    Administering oath of allegiance on the new students, Vice-chancellor of the university Prof Moses Kembe lamented incessant strikes that have rocked the university.

    He recalled that the matriculation initially scheduled for April was put on hold due to a three-month strike earlier embarked upon by ASUU-BSU.

    Kembe said of the 13, 141 who sat for the last Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination (UTME) as well as an additional 1,482 direct entry candidates, only 6,400 scaled admission hurdle.

    He said the new students should consider themselves lucky to have been offered admission, urging them to abide by the spirit of the oath.

    Kembe further implored the new students to remain committed to academic excellence, adding that that the university is now Information and Communication Technology-driven,.

    On his part, Ikoni dispelled rumors that the chapter paid over five million naira to the national secretariat of ASUU to abstain from the strike. He described such speculation as a ‘blatant lie’, noting that the strike is for their benefit.

    “We have just finished our congress and it was resolved that we must join the strike with immediate effect. It is for our benefit. It is a blatant lie that we six million naira not to go on strike,”he said.

    It could be recalled that the university had just reopened for academic after being closed down for more than three months as a result of strike embarked upon by lecturers to demand  the earned academic allowances (EAA).