Edo Residents Tally Losses in Flood-Ravaged Neighborhoods

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

NIGERIA NEWS 247 reports that 85 houses were inundated, and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed after a heavy two-day downpour. The flood affected major parts of the local government area.

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

Priscilla Osiobafoh, one of the affected residents and Executive Director of BraveHeart Initiative, expressed shock, stating that around 85 houses were affected, with 50 buildings severely damaged.

“The flood began around 10 am on Monday,” she said. “I assessed the situation and reached out to about 37 affected victims. The main destruction affected around 50 buildings. The flood resulted from heavy water from the Orere rocks, collapsed bridges, and indiscriminate refuse dumping in drainages.”

Osiobafoh also emphasized the role of climate change and environmental issues, highlighting the negligence of residents regarding drainage maintenance. “All the bridges in the town were affected,” she added.

She called for constructing a proper drainage system to channel water from the rocks, noting that while the government might blame residents for refuse dumping, it cannot blame them for the collapsed bridges. “These are critical issues that need the government’s attention,” she stated.

Other victims, including Ms. Feyintola Eshamah and Ms. Stella Agbarajo, lamented their losses. “The flood destroyed our buildings, leaving us homeless. Thankfully, there were no casualties, but we lost all our properties,” Agbarajo said. Mrs. Edith Igboje appealed to the federal, state, and local governments for assistance.

Council chairman Tajudeen Alade stated that he had reported the incident to the state government. “I assessed the affected areas with the HOD Environment and Supervisory Councillor for Works, and we have reported to the state government. We have also informed the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assist the victims,” he said.

Alade also blamed residents for poor sanitation, building on the right of way, and indiscriminate refuse dumping in drainages.