A devastating flood has swept through the Odoba Ogaje community in Otukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving scores of residents displaced and causing extensive destruction following heavy rainfall on the night of June 21, 2026.
Residents believe the flood was worsened by drainage challenges linked to the ongoing dualization of the Makurdi-Enugu Expressway passing through the area. Homes, churches, schools, local roads, farmlands, and other critical infrastructure were severely damaged, throwing many families into hardship as floodwaters inundated residential areas and destroyed valuable property.
Several families were forced to flee their homes, with many left homeless amid the widespread destruction.
Following the incident, the people of Odoba Ogaje appealed to the Federal Government, Benue State Government, and relevant emergency agencies for urgent intervention. They called for the immediate provision of emergency relief materials, temporary shelter, medical assistance, and rehabilitation support to help victims recover from the disaster.
The community also urged key government officials and agencies to visit the affected area and assess the extent of the damage with a view to providing swift assistance. Those called upon include the Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Council, the member representing Ogbadibo State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, the Governor of Benue State, the Minister of Environment, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The residents are calling for quick action to prevent further suffering and support the recovery of the affected community.
