Edo Residents Tally Losses in Flood-Ravaged Areas

Residents of Uffa, Ugbogbo, Afekhai, Orere, Domingo Road, Lawani Road, Momodu Ajayi Road, and Ibillo-Auchi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State are counting their losses as their homes and properties have been submerged by floods.

According to NIGERIANEWS247, 85 houses were reportedly submerged, and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed following a two-day heavy downpour. The flood affected major parts of the local government area.

Some victims attributed the flooding to water from the Orere rock, collapsed bridges, and indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainages.

Priscilla Osiobafoh, the Executive Director of BraveHeart Initiative, an NGO, expressed shock over the incident, noting that about 85 houses were submerged, with 50 buildings destroyed.

“The flood occurred around 10 am on Monday. I assessed the situation and reached out to about 37 victims. So far, we have about 85 buildings affected, with major destruction in about 50 buildings,” she said.

Osiobafoh cited heavy water from the Orere rocks, collapsed bridges, and poor drainage maintenance as the primary causes. She also highlighted the broader impact of climate change and environmental neglect.

“The government can blame residents for dumping refuse in drainages, but the collapse of bridges is a critical issue that needs attention,” she added.

Other victims, including Ms. Feyintola Eshamah and Ms. Stella Agbarajo, lamented the loss of their entire properties to the flood. Agbarajo said, “The water wreaked havoc on our buildings, rendering us homeless. Thankfully, there were no casualties, but we lost everything.”

Mrs. Edith Igboje appealed to the federal, state, and local governments for aid.

In response, council chairman Tajudeen Alade said they had reported the incident to the state government and informed the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assist the victims.

Alade blamed poor sanitation, construction on the right of way, and indiscriminate dumping of refuse for the flooding.