Kwara North Flood Crisis: Egwa River Overflows, Destroys Millions of Naira in Crops, Cuts Off Communities

Kwara North Flood Crisis: Egwa River Overflows, Destroys Millions of Naira in Crops, Cuts Off Communities

Communities in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area in Kwara State, have been hit by severe flooding after the Egwa River overflowed its banks, destroying crops, submerging homes and disrupting transportation.

The affected communities include Likpata, Edogi Dukun, Pututa, Effagi and other settlements along the riverine area in Lafiagi Emirate, Edu LGA of Kwara State.

In a NupekoTV correspondent interview with a farmer in Likpata village, the farmer said the flooding water washed away large quantities of rice, maize, vegetables and other crops, with some farms reportedly flooded shortly before harvest.

Another farmer from Pututa, a resident of the community, said the flooding water entered several buildings, including residential houses, a school, and a place of worship were among the structures affected.

In Pututa, residents described the situation as increasingly difficult as floodwaters continued to rise.

According to affected residents, several families have abandoned their homes and moved in with relatives or relocated to higher ground as the water continues to rise.

The flooding has also disrupted education and religious activities, while roads linking the affected communities to Lafiagi town and neighbouring areas have become difficult or impossible to use.

Residents said motorists have been stranded and the movement of farm produce, traders and essential goods has been severely affected. Market activities have also slowed as transportation becomes increasingly difficult.

Community leaders are appealing to the Kwara State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and humanitarian organisations for urgent assistance.

They are seeking food, clean water, shelter and medical supplies for affected households, as well as repairs to damaged roads.

The communities also want authorities to introduce long-term flood-control measures around the Egwa River to reduce the impact of future flooding.

Residents in flooding areas were advised to move to safer, higher ground while water levels remained high.

The latest incident has renewed concerns among residents about the vulnerability of riverine communities in Kwara North and the need for stronger infrastructure and long-term measures to manage seasonal flooding.