Governor seeks FG assistance to tackle effects of flood disaster

Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue on Sunday appealed for financial assistance from the Federal Government toward tackling the effects of flood disasters in the state.

Ortom made the appeal at a ceremony to mark the 45th birthday of his wife, Mrs. Eunice Ortom, held at the Redeemed Christian Church, Mega Parish, Makurdi.

“The damage by flood disaster so far is massive; the state alone cannot bear the financial burden involved in tackling it.

“Many communities have been washed away, while farms have equally been swept off. The level of destruction is heavy and we want the Federal Government, individuals and organisations to assist,” he said.

The governor sympathised with victims of Saturday night’s flood in Makurdi, especially the management of Radio Benue, where a transmitter was submerged.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wurukum market, Low-level quarters and seven other communities were submerged by water as a result of the downpour.

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The affected communities included Welfare Quarters, Benue State University community, New Kanshio village, Rice Mill Wadata, Idye Village, Achusa village, among others.

Ortom promised to work toward leaving Benue better than he met it, and blamed its current woes, especially the non-payment of salaries, on alleged massive corruption by the government he succeeded.