BY EDITOR
The Ebonyi State Government has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA) to intensify assessment of communities affected by the recent flooding and coordinate emergency relief and rehabilitation measures for displaced residents.
The directive followed the flooding that swept through Akaeze in Ivo Local Government Area and other parts of the state, destroying houses, farmlands, crops, personal belongings and other sources of livelihood.
The state government, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebeh, expressed sympathy with the affected families and communities, assuring them of appropriate government intervention.
Omebeh said the directive was given by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as part of measures to address the immediate humanitarian consequences of the disaster and support affected residents in rebuilding their livelihoods.
“The Ebonyi State Government has expressed its deep concern and sympathy to residents of Akaeze in Ivo Local Government Area and other communities across the state affected by the recent flooding,” the commissioner said.
He said the government was working with relevant federal emergency-management institutions, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to secure complementary intervention and support for the affected communities.
According to him, the state’s response would be guided by verified assessments of the extent of damage and the needs of the affected residents.
The flooding, which occurred following heavy rainfall, reportedly submerged several houses and farmlands in Akaeze, leaving families displaced and causing extensive damage to property and agricultural assets.
The Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency had earlier confirmed that no life was lost in the incident and said it had commenced an assessment of the damage.
Omebeh said the government would not relent in addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of the victims while simultaneously pursuing measures to restore livelihoods and strengthen community resilience against future climate-related and environmental emergencies.
He urged residents affected by the flood to remain calm and cooperate with emergency officials conducting assessments and coordinating relief operations.
The commissioner also cautioned residents against returning prematurely to flood-prone areas or occupying buildings that may have been structurally compromised until the relevant authorities certify them safe.
He urged residents in vulnerable communities to take seriously flood and weather alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and other competent authorities.
Omebeh advised residents to monitor official forecasts and early-warning information, comply with evacuation directives where necessary, avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and waterways, and promptly report emerging threats to emergency-response agencies.
He further appealed to political parties, candidates, community leaders and other stakeholders to refrain from politicising the disaster or exploiting the plight of affected citizens for partisan purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“While political actors have the constitutional right to canvass for public support, the government considers it important that public discourse remains issue-based, responsible and devoid of inflammatory rhetoric capable of aggravating the anxiety and vulnerability of disaster-affected communities,” he said.
The commissioner said the government expected political actors and other stakeholders to place the safety, dignity and welfare of disaster victims above partisan considerations.
He added that the welfare and security of citizens remained central to the administration's People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
The government also commended residents, traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies, first responders, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders for their response to the disaster.
Omebeh assured the affected communities that government institutions had been activated and that interventions would continue as assessment and emergency-response operations progressed.
“The administration of Governor Nwifuru remains committed to protecting lives, safeguarding livelihoods and delivering sustainable development across Ebonyi State,” he said.
The government, he added, would continue to strengthen measures aimed at reducing the vulnerability of communities to flooding and other natural hazards.
