Crops, Homes Swept Away As Flood Ravages 25 Communities In Edo After Release Of Lagdo Dam Water, Displaces Residents Across Three LGAs
By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde
At least 25 communities along the River Niger in Edo State have been flooded following the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, causing widespread damage.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered that the flood has severely impacted Etsako East, Etsako Central, and Esan South East Local Government Areas (LGAs), leaving homes and farmland destroyed.
The Desk Officer for Relief Materials in Esan South East, Ojimah Christopher, confirmed that 25 communities are now underwater.
He also reported that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps are filled to capacity, with more people arriving daily.
One of the worst-hit communities, Ifeku, has been completely submerged, forcing residents to flee with little or no belongings.
However, a local farmer, John Odaku, described the devastation, stating that "Our farms, where we planted yam, cassava, and groundnut, are all flooded. Even harvested crops and livestock were lost to the water. This year’s flood is worse than last year’s."
Odaku appealed for urgent support from both State and Federal Governments, though he acknowledged that the local council has been offering assistance.
In response, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised residents to relocate to IDP camps to avoid further danger.
In addition, the head of NEMA’s Benin Operations Office, Dahiru Yusuf, said the agency is working with State and local officials to monitor the situation and assess affected areas.
"Floods have hit Esan South East, Etsako East, and Etsako Central LGAs, displacing several communities," Yusuf confirmed, adding that most IDP camps in the State are ready to accommodate evacuees.
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