Environment minister blames Benue flood on buildings constructed along water channels

Ibrahim Jibril, minister of state for environment, says buildings constructed along water channels caused the flood in Benue state.

Esther Agbarakwe, media aide of the minister, quoted him as saying this after an assessment of the flooded areas.

Jibril, who also a paid a visit to Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, commiserated with the people and reiterated the collective need to address climate change.

The minister expressed concerns over the level of devastation as a result of the flood which made the vulnerable to bear the brunt “in terms of loss of livelihood and shelter”.

While appealing to donor agencies and International community to assist the state government tackle the disaster, the minister urged residents to stop building structures on waterways.

“It is not easy for the state government to demolish such buildings but we hope that the people will collaborate with the relevant government agencies to address the issue,” Jibril said.

The flood is said to have displaced over 100,000 people.