The Impact Of The 2012 Flood On The People Of Lokoja

Samphina Acacemy Project And Seminar Materials

Chapter One

Introduction

Background to the study

Lokoja, the capital city of Kogi State in Nigeria, is situated at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers. This geographical positioning makes Lokoja particularly vulnerable to flooding, especially during the rainy season.1 Flooding in Lokoja has been a recurrent issue, with significant floods recorded in recent history, such as those in 2012, 2018, and 2020. These floods have resulted in substantial economic, social, and environmental impacts on the city and its inhabitants.

Floods are the most common natural disasters; their frequency, magnitude and the cost of damage are on the rise all over the world. Flooding cannot be completely avoided, but damages from severe flooding can be reduced if effective flood prevention scheme is implemented. Mitigation is hence the cornerstone of emergency management. Flood risk‟ means the combination of the probability of a flood event and of the potential adverse consequences for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity associated with a flood event.2 Recent flood disasters in Lokoja have been of major concern to people, communities and institutions. Flash floods are the most common in Lokoja during the peak of the rainy season (June-October) and the 2012 flood event in Lokoja is described as the worst in recent times. Kogi State was the most affected state due to its location at the confluence of the country‘s major rivers (Niger-Benue Rivers), There are basically 20 biggest rivers in the world, which the River Niger takes on the table the number eight biggest River in the world, number three in Africa and number one in West Africa.3 The River Niger runs through nine countries which are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Cote d’ Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria across Africa, thereby breaking into smaller rivers which ends up as feeders to one of the major Oceans of the world (Atlantic). The River Niger meets the River Benue in Lokoja the capital of Kogi State Nigeria, West Africa before breaking into small rivers then pouring out into the Atlantic Ocean. The River Niger has been a major attraction to the colonial masters and European explorer whose first settlement was in Lokoja.4 The name Nigeria (Niger area) was coined out of the presence of River Niger this was said to have been done by Flora Shaw later Lady Lugard, sometimes about 1898.5 The River provides the people of Lokoja with basic livelihood both commercial and cultural.

Flood is a large amount of water covering an area that is usually dry. It is an overflowing of a great body of water over land not usually submerged. On the hand, flood as large volume of water which arrives at and occupy the stream channel and its flood plain in a time too short to prevent damage to economic activities including homes.6 Flood has become the most destructive environmental problems prevalent in Lokoja communities. With over 30% of the inhabitants of Lokoja live along the riverine area and survive mainly on agriculture and fishing. The problem of flooding which occur due to dam opening up stream, storm surges and sea-level rise constitute a substantial threat to life, property, livelihoods, and infrastructure in the riverine region.

Floods are the most prevalent natural calamities confronting nations regardless of their state of development. The threat by floods is gradually growing the world over. Floods have a devastating effect on lifestyle as well as critical assets. Moreover, the relationship existing between flooding and food security took the centre stage of global environmental and socioeconomic discourses. Floods are most important and the most significant of natural all disasters leading to fatalities globally.7

Statement of the Research Problem

The 2012 flood in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State had a profound impact on the lives and livelihoods of the residents. The flood, which was one of the most devastating in recent history, resulted in significant loss of life, displacement of communities, destruction of property, and disruption of economic activities. Despite the severity of the flood, there has been limited comprehensive research to document the full extent of its impact and to evaluate the effectiveness of the response and recovery efforts. This research seeks to address this gap by providing a detailed analysis of the social, economic, and environmental consequences of the 2012 flood on the people of Lokoja. Additionally, it aims to assess the preparedness and resilience of the affected communities, as well as the role of government and non-governmental organizations in mitigating the impacts of such natural disasters.

Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the research is to discuss the Impact of the 2012 flood on the people of Lokoja. The specific objectives are:

To examine the Flood disaster impacts on the life of the people of the affected areas.
Analyze the environmental effects of flooding in Lokoja.
To analyse the nature of the River at different period
To examine the causes of flood in Lokoja.

Significance of the Study

Lokoja have experienced a very severe flood recently which is of high magnitude and affected many Local Government Areas, because of improper management (which includes; lack of good drainage system, blockage of drainage with refuse in the environment, absent of dams, Lack of awareness program on flood vulnerability zoning and reducing the effect of climate change caused by human activities) of flood risk over the flood plain areas which in many ways made people in the state or people close to the flood plain vulnerable.

In the past, many works have been done on assessment of flood vulnerability risk but majorities of this work do not provide a reasonable solution to this devastating disaster and also lack of proper techniques to assess the flood risk on a large spatial distribution. Although, the Federal Government is trying their best in providing a solution in terms of providing camps, foods, money many among others for the people affected by this devastating flood but planning for subsequent one is expected to be the main target, so that the state of the people‟s mind will be inapprehensive even after the flood. There is need for the use of Space Science and technology in solving our environmental issues in these modern days. Thus there is need for proper geospatial mapping and analysis for an effective flood disaster management and a flood contingency planning in Lokoja. In addition, the study will contribute valuable information for humanitarian organizations and policymakers to better support and protect vulnerable populations, thus fostering more resilient communities.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The scope of this study is restricted to the year 2012 because this year witnessed the highest flood in the past century. The study focuses on the impact of the 2012 flood in Lokoja. examining socio-economic, health, environmental, and infrastructural effects over the past years. It involves collecting primary data through surveys and interviews with local residents, government agencies, and other stakeholders, as well as analyzing secondary data from reports and historical records. The geographical scope is limited to areas within Lokoja, especially those near the Niger and Benue rivers’ confluence. Also with oral source some of the interviewees were not cooperative as some didn’t want to disclose some certain issues when asked while others didn’t want their names in the work.

The study faces several limitations, including potential difficulties in accessing reliable and comprehensive historical data on flooding. Resource and time constraints may restrict the depth of fieldwork and data collection. Additionally, obtaining accurate responses from participants could be challenging, and ongoing environmental changes might affect the relevance of the findings over time. Furthermore, the study’s focus on Lokoja means that broader regional factors may not be fully addressed.

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