By Edeniyere Abraham Osose
The Edo State Government, through the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Works, has conveyed the State Government’s commitment to addressing the crises associated with the failed Emuado Dam in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, with the assurance of restoring normalcy in the area.
Leading the delegation, the Executive Secretary of EdoSEMA, Hon. Jerry Idahosa, stated that they were in the area to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the failed Dam. He assured the affected residents of Ekeke-Erah Community in Owan East of prompt response by the State Government to mitigate the impact of the disaster.
Hon. Idahosa stated, “I am here today on the directive of Mr. Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to assess the situation firsthand. Accompanying me are engineers from the Ministry of Works and the Zonal Coordinators for Edo North and Edo Central. Their assessment will guide the necessary actions to be taken by the Government.
“I want you to be rest assured that the Governor is a listening leader, who will respond promptly. The most important thing is that no life was lost as the disaster occurred at night. Please bear with us and the Edo State Government.”
He emphasized the Governor’s deep concerns over the incident, acknowledging the devastation caused by the dam’s failure. However, he assured residents that their plight has not gone unnoticed and that the Government will intervene swiftly, encouraging residents to make use of the State’s emergency hotline ‘739’ for prompt assistance in any emergency situation.
The Assessment Team inspected the collapsed dam, which reportedly had failed for the second time, to evaluate the extent of damage and to recommend long-term solutions.
The President of Owan General Assembly, Hon. Fred Enaikhe Aleghoro, commended the State Government for its swift response through EdoSEMA and urged further immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the affected residents.
“I am pleased that the Executive Secretary has come with his Team for an on-the-spot assessment. This demonstrates that the Governor is responsive to community needs. The Community is in dire need, and we would appreciate it if the Governor expedites action, as he has already begun, so we can rebuild our lives,” he stated.
The Ezomo of Ekeke-Erah, Chief Yakubu, appreciated the State Government for its concern and swift response but lamented the extensive damage caused by the disaster, particularly to farmlands, market produce and the washing off of access roads to neighbouring communities.
“This is an unfortunate incident that has dealt a significant blow to me and my Community, especially to our farm crops. Many things have been washed away; cassava, yam, and other produce we had gathered for the market. It was a market day, and all the goods we had prepared for sale were swept away,” he recounted.
He appealed to the Governor to provide urgent assistance to help the community recover from the devastation. Residents remain hopeful that swift intervention will bring much-needed relief to Ekeke-Erah.
