A downpour lasting more than nine hours on Monday submerged several houses in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The rainfall, which began overnight into the evening hours of Monday, affected several residential areas, including Achussa, New GRA, behind Radio Benue, Nyiman, Idye, Naka road, North Bank, Ankpa Quarters, Tilley Gyado-Terwase Agbadu, Wurukum and Wadata.

Some residents of the areas said that the flooding destroyed their household items and foodstuff, while several commuters were stranded as floodwaters took over streets.

Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, observed that buildings and business premises located around ongoing construction sites in the town and riverbanks were particularly affected.

A resident, Frank Tion, blamed the flooding on blocked drainage channels arising from ongoing road construction, calling on Governor Hyacinth Alia to direct contractors to immediately open the channels to allow free flow of water.

Tion said indiscriminate closure of roads and drainage channels by construction companies had contributed to the flooding.

Another resident, Theresa Andyson, said that the flooding could have been worse if not for some huge drainages already built by the government.

Andyson however stressed that the multiple constructions going on in the city could have also contributed to the flooding in areas where water channels are blocked for works to go on smoothly.

Meanwhile, the Information Officer of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Terna Ager, said the agency had received reports of flooding in Achussa but was yet to visit the area for assessment. (Daily Trust)