FG to dredge River Benue as panacea to flooding ―VP

VICE President, Yemi Osinbajo, has said the Federal Government would give priority to the dredging of River Benue so as to avert future flooding of Benue state.

Osinbajo who visited the state yesterday to assess the destruction caused by flood explained that Federal Government would also ensure opening of water channels as a permanent solution to flooding in Makurdi and its environs.

The Vice President who addressed the displaced persons at the International Market camp created by state government extended President Muhammadu Buhari sympathy to the people of the state.

He added that Federal Government was ready to provide succour for displaced persons and make life more comfortable for youths and other Nigerians.

Speaking earlier, the state Governor, Samuel Ortom while appreciating federal government for prompt response however appealed for immediate dredging of River Benue to ease the yearly flooding in the state.

Governor also pleaded for the provision of drainages as a permanent solution to the problem of flooding which he said had sacked many communities.

The governor conducted the Vice President round some of the areas affected by flood, said  Benue people  were happy with Federal Government’s response to the flood disaster which has rendered thousands of people homeless.

During the visit, the vice president inspected Idye stream which overflows its banks during the rainy season and flood Radio Benue and many parts of Makurdi.  Some affected streets and roads and relief materials donated by NEMA.

Osinbajo also inspected the clinic established by the Air Force at the camp for displaced persons at the new modern market.

He was accompanied on the visit by the minister of agriculture and rural development, Chief Audu Ogbe; the minister of works, power and housing, Babatunde Fashola; the minister of state for environment, Ibrahim Usman Jibril, and the director general of NEMA, Mustapha Maihaja.