By Edeniyere Abraham Osose
Following a severe flood disaster that submerged hundreds of buildings, farmlands and household properties in Owan Community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and officials of the Local Government Council have conducted a joint assessment visit to the affected area.
The flood, which left numerous residents homeless and disrupted livelihoods, prompted responses from the government agencies, which visited the Community to sympathise with victims and to evaluate the extent of the damage.
Speaking on behalf of the Team, the Executive Secretary of EdoSEMA, Hon. Jerry Idahosa explained that the visit was directed by the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, as part of commitments to guarantee the well-being of affected residents in the area.
Hon. Idahosa conveyed the heartfelt sympathy of the State Governor, and assured affected residents of the State Government’s measures towards providing immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term recovery support.
“Our primary objective is to identify and document the number of displaced persons particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children and evacuate them to temporary shelters for their safety”. He stated.
On the concerns raised by the Community and considering the magnitude of the disaster, Hon. Idahosa noted that the situation could necessitate the collaboration of the State Government with NEMA for effective and timely response.
The Chairman of Ovia North-East LGA, Hon. Igbinake Omoruyi, expressed concerns for the victims and appreciated God that no life was lost. He assured the Community of the Council’s support and confirmed that his Team had toured the affected areas to ascertain the extent of the damage.
“I want to assure you that we are with you during this trying time. I will personally forward a detailed report to the appropriate authorities”. He said
The Chairman further appealed to the State and Federal Governments to assist the Community in rebuilding and finding lasting solutions to the recurring crisis.
Residents of the Community called for more sustainable interventions. They disclosed that flooding had become a regular occurrence during the rainy season, with repeated loss of homes, farmlands and property. The Community alleged to have formally written to the Edo State Ministry of Forestry and Land through their Community Lawyer, requesting for permanent resettlement, but were yet to receive response.
The Speaker of Owan Community Council, Mr. Philips Omondigbo, who spoke on behalf of the affected persons, made an emotional appeal to the Government, saying, “We are pleading with the Government to help us find a new settlement. Every year we suffer this disaster, and we can no longer bear it. We do not have the means to relocate ourselves”.
The Edo State Government has pledged to expedite emergency relief while exploring long-term solutions, including the possible relocation of the Community to a safer and secured environment.
