Eben Enasco

Residents of Udaba in Etsako Central, Agenebode in Etsako East, and Ifekhu in Esan South East Local Government Areas of Edo State are struggling to survive after devastating floods ravaged their communities.

The residents, who spoke to newsmen in Benin City, appealed to federal, state, and local governments for assistance with foodstuffs, citing feeding as their major problem.

The floods have destroyed their means of livelihood, leaving them without a source of income. Even basic necessities like cooking facilities are scarce, with few households having access to cooking gas.

Ibrahim Aliu from the Udaba community highlighted the challenges they face, stating that there’s no place to set firewood for cooking, exacerbating their hardship.

Residents, including Abraham from the Ifekhu community, alleged that they’ve been abandoned by the government.

They lamented the lack of support, despite the government’s prior warnings of potential flooding in the area.

Earlier, the Edo State Government alerted residents in lowland and riverine areas, including Agenebode, Anegbete, and Ilullshi, to relocate to higher grounds due to impending flooding.

The government also promised support for displaced persons and ensured that Internally Displaced Persons IDP camps were in good condition.

The local government areas affected by the flood include Etsako East, Etsako Central, and Esan South East. These areas are located on the bank of the River Niger.