Kogi State Gov’t Opens Emergency Bypass As Floods Threaten Major Highway

The Kogi State Government has opened a 5-kilometre alternate route in Nyamanyama Village along the Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road, in order to mitigate the impact of rising flood waters.

According to a statement from the government office, the route is intended to serve as a bypass in case the main Ganaja Road becomes impassable due to flooding.

The decision was made by the Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Team, following a directive from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to alleviate potential hardship for motorists.

The Ganaja Road, a major route connecting the state to the South East and South-South regions of the country, is under threat as flood waters approach dangerous threshold.

Governor Ododo stated that his administration is committed to ensuring that motorists and passengers are not left stranded due to the flood situation.

“We are taking every step necessary to avoid hellish experiences on the roads,” the governor stated.

The chairman of the Flood Disaster Response Team and Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu Oyibo, stated that the team had acted swiftly to open the alternate route.

He noted the importance of this measure in maintaining access for the hundreds of thousands of commuters who rely on the Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road daily.

State Commissioner for Works, Mohammed Yusuf, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the alternate road.

He praised the government’s response, and described it as an example of “responsive governance” under Governor Ododo’s leadership.

Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, while speaking to newsmen after inspecting the ongoing work on the alternate route, described the flood situation as devastating, noting that the Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road is under serious threat.

He revealed that properties worth billions of naira had already been lost, with houses, farmlands, and other valuables destroyed.

Fanwo further noted the severity of the situation in Ibaji Local Government Area, where only 25 percent of the land remained above water, while the entire Kupa District has been submerged, with several other communities, including Ajaokuta, Gegu, and Edeha, are also facing losses due to the flood.

“Over the years, commuters went through hell on that road in flood periods. But this measure is no doubt a saviour. The flood is already devastating. Properties worth billions have already been lost.

“Houses, farmlands and other valuables have been washed away. Only 25 per cent of Ibaji Local Government is above water level right now. The remaining 75 per cent are under the water. Also, the entire Kupa District has been submerged. Ajaokuta, Gegu, Edeha and many other communities are already counting their losses.

“The Federal Government should come to the rescue of Kogi State. Our resources are stretched as we strive to save the situation,” Fanwo urged.