First Rain of 2026 Causes Severe Flooding in Otukpo

The first rainfall of 2026 resulted in severe flooding in Otukpo, Benue State, causing extensive damage to homes and businesses, displacing numerous residents. The rainfall, which was welcomed after a period of scorching heat, quickly turned disastrous, with properties built over the years swept away.

Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, the Och Idoma, and Mayor Aloga Ogbogo expressed solidarity with affected households and made a heartfelt appeal to the Benue State government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for urgent assistance. They called for the provision of food, temporary shelter materials, and rehabilitation of drainage systems to mitigate future flooding.

Residents were advised to remain vigilant during the rainy season and to clear gutters and drainage channels to prevent further disasters.