Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide wishes to use this medium to call on the Federal government, the Imo State and the Anambra State governments to as a matter of urgency move into action and save the remaining lives of our people in the flood-ravaged areas in both states.
In a statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said the apex group’s on-the-spot findings have shown that thousands of people have been displaced in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta Local Government Areas of Imo State while properties worth billions have gone under the water.
In Anambra State, the tragedy is enormous as it has hit Ogbaru, Ayameleum and Anambra West Local Government Areas hard displacing thousands of people, and destroying properties worth several billions of naira.
We wish to ask, does it mean that the clips coming out from the ancient town of “Anam Ukpo Isaa” with villages like Mmiata, Iyiora, Umueze, Umuewelum, Umuoba, Umuikwu, Umudora and Oroma-Etiti are now sitting under flood is not getting to both the Presidency and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)?
Is Nigeria too broke that we cannot send serious boats and even airlift the trapped people of Ogwuikpele, Akali-Ogidi, Atani, Osamala, Umu-Uzu, Ogbakuba, Umunankwo and Ogwuaniocha all in Ogbaru LGA and send relief materials to them because they are currently internally displaced people?
Can’t the Federal and State governments do something for the people of Abacheke in Ohaji-Egbema?
Can’t FG and NEMA do something about what’s happening at Oguta-Ameshi down to the Amaraocha area?
Can’t they just see that communities like Osemotto, Eziorsu, Orsuobodo, Mgbele and their neighbours may not be safe now and find fast solutions? How can the government be sleeping while our people are perishing?
What about those people that died at Osomala/Umunankwo bridge while sailing to Ogbakuba last week in Ogbaru when their boat capsized and who have located their families? Why all this silence when a national disaster is taking place?
A flood is an act of nature and it is a natural disaster but the Federal Government, State government and NEMA should do more than carry out awareness campaigns before the flood.
They should find solutions because people cannot continue to invest and lose their investments every three years to flood.
We have heard from different quarters that what happened could be linked to the release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
Some said it’s just excessive rainfall, but whatever it is we’re calling on the government to look for a permanent solution and end these regular occurrences.
Every solution is necessary now. If it requires the dredging of notable Rivers in the affected areas like Orashi River, Ogbuide River (Oguta lake) Ọmambala(Anambra River), Ezu River, Itu River, Awbana River, Njaba River, River Niger and many others every time such may happen, please let it be done at least to reduce the effect.
This is also the time all the well-meaning sons and daughters of our land should rise and show some kindness to our people. We can’t just be waiting. Any life saved now will be worth many in the future.
