FLOOD THREATS ON LAND USES AND POPULATION IN LOKOJA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Flooding is a natural or man-made disaster that leads to voluntary or involuntary resettlement, which further causes
population displacement and untold human misery. Lokoja, the capital town of Kogi State, Nigeria is prone to
frequent flooding, posing significant threats to human settlements, infrastructure and economic activities. The study
assesses the relationship between flood threat, land uses and population affected by flood in Lokoja metropolis.
This research focused on flood occurrences of high to medium flood risk zones. Data were collected using both
primary and secondary sources. 274 questionnaires were administered as sample sized to respondents across the
strata of all the flood affected communities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (percentage distribution)
and inferential statistics (Pearson’s moment correlation) in assessing the relationships between minimum water
levels, land uses and population affected by flood. Findings from the analysis show that there is a strong positive
correlation between minimum water level and farmland and open space with the greatest correlation coefficient of
0.986. Also, commercial land uses has a slightly stronger correlation (0.899) with minimum water levels.The study
therefore conclude that flooding had a significant impact on residential, commercial, and particularly agriculture
and open spaces, inflicting widespread property and infrastructure damage.This research serves as a critical tool
for policy makers, urban planners and stakeholders to priotize on flood risk management and coordinated physica
development in Lokoja metropolis