By Capital Watch Media
The water crisis in Otukpo, Benue State, has reached critical levels, leaving residents with no choice but to rely on muddy pools and contaminated water sources for survival.
As the dry season intensifies, natural water sources such as wells and streams have dried up, exacerbating the long-standing water shortage in the town.
For decades, Otukpo, regarded as the heart of Idoma land, has faced severe water challenges, with little intervention from relevant authorities.
A major contributor to the crisis is the long-abandoned Otobi Water Works, a facility that once supplied clean water to the town but has remained non-functional for years.
Without access to potable water, both urban and rural residents now depend on unsafe alternatives, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
“Cholera, typhoid, and other infections are becoming common because we drink from the same stagnant pools that animals use,” said Agbo John, a resident of Obaganya.
Women and children, in particular, are severely affected, as they embark on long treks daily in search of water, often crossing into neighbouring local government areas.
“The situation is unbearable. We wake up as early as 4 a.m. to walk long distances, only to fetch dirty water,” said Mary Ene, a resident of Igbanonmaje.
One of the biggest challenges in addressing Otukpo’s water crisis is the soil composition, which makes it difficult to drill boreholes.
“Our land is rocky, making it nearly impossible to tap underground water. That is why we rely on surface water, which disappears during the dry season,” explained John Oche, a local community leader.
The collapse of the Otobi Water Works has further worsened the situation, with residents accusing the government of neglect and mismanagement.
“Successive administrations have promised to fix the waterworks, but nothing has been done. We have been left to suffer,” said Emmanuel Obotu, an Otukpo Township resident.
In some areas, desperate residents have started digging deeper into riverbeds in a bid to extract water, despite the risks of contamination.
Local lawmaker, Honourable Angbo Kennedy, has pledged support for water projects, including a recent donation towards drilling efforts at Ukplo River.
“Water is a basic necessity. We must find a lasting solution to this crisis, and I will continue to push for government intervention,” Kennedy stated.
Meanwhile, philanthropist Mohammed Odeh Adah, known as ‘Ochacho,’ has been distributing water to residents through private initiatives.
“Whenever Ochacho’s water trucks arrive, there’s a mad rush. Unfortunately, not everyone gets enough,” said Oche Moses, a resident of Asa Community.
The Benue State Government has acknowledged the crisis, announcing plans to rehabilitate the Otobi Water Works to restore water supply.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Hon. Ugwu Ameh Odoh, confirmed that efforts are underway to revive the facility.
“The ministry has been directed to invite contractors to commence the rehabilitation of Otobi Water Works and restore water supply to Otukpo and its environs,” Odoh said.
As residents await government intervention, many continue to endure harsh conditions, with water scarcity threatening their health and livelihoods.
