As part of efforts by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to mitigate the effects of the windstorm and inferno incidences on the people of Igueben Local Government Area (LGA) and Ubiaja, in Esan South East LGA, an Edo State Government delegation visited the affected communities to ascertain the degree of damage caused by the disaster and provide support for victims.
The team was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, heads of state emergency management agencies, and other top government functionaries.
The team visited the Igueben Main Market, where some parts of its roof were blown off by the wind; St. Joseph Catholic Church, Eguare in Igueben, whose perimeter fence was destroyed by windstorm, as well as some private homes and businesses, whose buildings were gutted by fire.
Gowon, who thanked God that there was no live lost, noted that the few persons who sustained minor injuries were receiving treatment in the hospital.
He said, “We are here on behalf of the State Government after we got a call from the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Josie Ogedegbe and the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. John Inegbedion, that fire had gutted some buildings and windstorm has blown off some parts of the main market. In his usual speedy response, Governor Obaseki asked us to immediately come and check to know exactly what happened, take inventory and report back to him because he does not want his people to suffer.”
Gowon, however, urged the residents to find solace in God, noting that the state government will continue to support the community.
In response, the parish priest, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Igueben, Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Omoakue, said they are thankful to God for using the Governor to respond to them, praying to God to guide the governor’s steps.
Mrs. Esther Oriovbewan, a market woman, said the community is grateful to the governor for sending his delegates to ascertain the level of damage, adding, “I believe in no distant time we will be out of the suffering”
Chairman, Igueben LGA, Hon. Dr. Josie Ogedegbe, expressed his gratitude, thanking the Governor for his swift response.
In the same vein, the team also visited Ubiaja in Esan South-East LGA, where they were received by the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Mr. Lawrence Emiator, who took the team around Idumuakhian and Orhuen quarters in Ubiaja to access the level of damage caused by the windstorm and some houses gutted by the fire.
