ETSAKO CENTRAL, Nigeria — Severe flooding from the overflow of the River Niger has ravaged Udaba Ekperi and neighbouring communities in Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State, leaving residents homeless and vulnerable, with calls for urgent government intervention growing louder....For More READ THE FULL STORY▶▶
Lawani Damian, a former member of the Edo State House of Assembly and a local community leader, described the disaster as catastrophic, reporting that his own home is submerged.
Damian emphasised the lack of response from local and state authorities, highlighting residents’ dire conditions.
“The flood has taken everything from us — our homes, farms, and schools. People have been left with nothing but despair,” Damian said in a telephone interview.
“Where is our humanity as a people and a nation? What is good governance if it doesn’t include the protection and welfare of the governed? Is Edo State and its local government a failed state?”
The flooding, which has forced many families to flee their homes, has also disrupted the education of children, as schools in the affected areas are now underwater.
In addition to destroying farmland and livestock — critical to the community’s economy — the deluge has exhumed bodies from a local cemetery, raising serious public health concerns over potential disease outbreaks.
“The fear of disease outbreaks looms large over our communities,” Damian said.
“We have lost everything. Our homes are ruined, our farms are underwater, and schools are submerged.”
The situation has become increasingly desperate, with survivors left without essential supplies.
“Those who have survived are left with no shelter, no food, no water, and no clothing. It is truly a desperate situation here,” Damian pleaded, calling for immediate assistance from local and state governments.
So far, there has been no official response from the Etsako Central Local Government Council or the Edo State government, exacerbating the frustration among affected residents.
Humanitarian groups have also expressed concern, warning of the long-term consequences if the situation is not swiftly addressed.
With farmland destroyed and livestock lost, the community faces not only immediate hardship but also the risk of food insecurity in the months to come.
Local leaders are urging the state government to prioritize relief efforts and provide emergency shelter, medical care, and food supplies.
“We need urgent intervention. Our people cannot wait any longer,” Damian stressed, appealing to both government agencies and non-governmental organisations to help mitigate the crisis.
The flooding in Udaba Ekperi is a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seasonal floods and the urgent need for comprehensive flood management strategies.
As the water levels show no signs of receding soon, the focus now shifts to how quickly relief can reach those in need and prevent further losses. This disaster comes amid growing calls for better preparedness and infrastructure to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in Nigeria, as communities across the country face similar environmental challenges.…For More READ THE FULL STORY ▶▶
