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Edo Allocates Over N300m in Relief Materials for Flood Victims

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Godwin Obaseki

BENIN-CITY, NIGERIA NEWS 247 – Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate to higher ground and utilize the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps established by the state government to avoid casualties from the ongoing flooding.

On Wednesday, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Kingsley Uwagbale, emphasized the urgency of the situation, advising residents not to wait for a crisis but to proactively move to safer locations.

“The governor has asked us to inform the public about the current flooding, which is already affecting several regions,” he said. He specifically highlighted vulnerable areas such as Etsako East, Etsako Central, Esan South East, Ubiaja, and Illushi, urging residents to heed the warning and relocate to the IDP camps prepared for their safety.

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The governor has also instructed local government councils to facilitate the evacuation of residents from affected areas. They have been mobilized, and a local emergency committee is already in place to manage the situation. Additional emergency response teams, including NEMA, SEMA, the Red Cross, and the police, have also been activated to assist in the efforts.

“We urge our people not to wait until the flood impacts them directly. Their lives and safety are our top priority. We encourage them to move to the designated safer areas,” Uwagbale added. Residents can reach out for assistance via the Edo State emergency hotline, 739, which is operational throughout the state.

Governor Obaseki noted that the state has existing camps that can accommodate those displaced by flooding and is prepared to establish emergency camps within two to three weeks for those affected until conditions improve.

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“We have statutory camps that were built to shelter those willing to relocate. Additionally, we are constructing a new camp in Ubiaja and have two camps in Agenebode, along with a larger camp and warehouse in Ogumere,” he explained.

He emphasized the importance of public awareness, stating that sensitization efforts have been ongoing for the past three to five months since the threat of flooding was identified. “While many have already relocated, some individuals remain at risk. We appeal to them to take advantage of the safer grounds and camps we have prepared,” he said.

In terms of support and relief materials, Uwagbale mentioned that the governor has been in communication with local government chairmen to ensure the safety of affected residents. “The governor has coordinated the provision of relief materials with local government leaders, and over N300 million has already been released, alongside emergency funds for a swift response,” he stated.

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“Governor Obaseki has mandated us to ensure the safety of Edo State residents at risk of flooding, and we are to report any further needs directly to him. The situation is under control, with adequate funding, relief supplies, and plans for the relocation of residents to the camps until the rains subside.”

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