Floods Devastate Edo State Community, Leaving Bodies in Their Wake

A devastating flood has submerged the Udaba Ekperi community and nearby areas in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, leaving residents homeless, stranded, and in dire need of assistance. The flooding, caused by the overflow of the River Niger, has particularly ravaged Udaba Ekperi, where homes have been submerged, burial grounds have been washed away, and recently buried corpses have been exhumed.

Barrister Lawani Damian, a community leader and former Edo State House of Assembly member, has made an urgent appeal to authorities for immediate intervention. He described the hardship faced by his fellow residents, sharing that even his own home was underwater. He expressed deep concern about the potential for a health crisis, as the exposed corpses could lead to a serious disease outbreak in the affected communities.

Additionally, he highlighted the destruction of farms, livestock, and other property, which has compounded the suffering of residents. Schools in the area have been flooded, forcing children out of their classrooms and leaving families without any means to rebuild their lives. Despite the gravity of the situation, the state government has yet to respond to the crisis.

Speaking to journalists, Damian questioned the lack of response and support, saying, “Khai, where’s the humanity in us as a people and as a nation? What is good governance without the protection and provision of social welfare to the governed? Is Edo State and the local government a failed state? As I speak with you now, we have not been able to salvage anything from our homes. Fear of disease outbreak has enveloped the communities.”