TELL Magazine

Just like it happened in 2012, the River Benue has once again overflown it banks submerging over 300 houses.

Areas affected by the flood so far include, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Gwado Villa, Kabiz and Gaadi, located along Makurdi-Gboko road.

Residents started experiencing the overflow last week Thursday but this was taken for granted just the same way it started in 2012.

However, between Wednesday and early hours of Thursday, rain water has already taken over substantive parts of the river banks.

Those who spoke to the magazine said, the water came unexpectedly as the speed seem to have increased over the night. They also said it is coming through River Buruku, the part of the River Benue that links Cameroon.

Eye witnesses said early Thursday morning, displaced persons were seen trying to evacuate some of their belongings already submerged by the flood water.

Terna Ande, a resident of Gwado villa said many residents are now desperate not knowing where to go after removing their luggage.”I saw many of them carrying luggage and children heading towards Gaadi primary school. It was clear that they don’t really have where to go,” Ande said.

Although, there has not been official figures about the number of houses already under water, a resident said over 300 houses have been flooded.

Thomas Awabar, a resident of Gwado Villa whose house has been submerged said as at the last count, 342 houses were already flooded. He said he saw about 500 displaced residents.

“Even today we met the commissioner of environment so that they can establish a camp for us, because we don’t have anywhere to go” he said.

Similarly, Terseer Kighir, an undergraduate of Benue State University, BSU is faced with the challenge of where to stay as his house has been sacked by the flood that has already distorted his studies.He said majority of the victims in Gwado Villa are students.

Attempts by the magazine to get the state government’s reaction and level of preparedness for the flood failed as Cletus Akwaya, Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Publicity could not be reached via telephone.