AGENEBODE – Inspite of the flood alert recently issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Edo North coastal communities in Estako East and Etsako Central Local Government Areas of Edo State have unanimously expressed their unwillingness to relocate even though the River Niger is yet to over flow its bank in their axis.
Chief Joseph Etayokha, the village head of Emuokwemhe who spoke with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER at Agenebode on behalf of coastal communities of Emuokwemhe, Obadudu, Ogwozima, Ofukpo and Ogwedobu, all in Weppa – Wano in Etsako East Local Government, the inevitability of relocation with the ultimate arrival of the floods.
On what the communities hopes to do if there is a sudden upsurge of the river, the village head said “we shall go to the primary schools where we were camped in 2012 because we have no money to build new houses”.
He however expressed dissatisfaction that though there has been early warning from the government, early action is yet to be seen in terms of providing a permanent Resettlement Centre promised after the 2012 disaster.
Enike Omoh who is the Youth Leader of Ighaewo quarters, Agenebode said no Government can stop the ravaging flood from entering their community as the water usually gushing out from the river Niger into the community is unquantifiable – a development which he noted would cost billions of naira for it to be controlled.
Tony Ismaila, a rice farmer in the flood – prone community said he cannot relocate now because that is where he lives, built his house and earn his living adding that stressing he cannot abandon his farmland now.
Similarly, Chief David Inatape, the village head of Udaba – Ekperi community in Etsako Central Local Government Area commended the State and Federal Governments for the on – going Resettlement Centre in Oghomere community.
The village head who expressed optimism that this year’s anticipated flooding may not be as devastating to his community as that of 2012, however sued for prompt completion of the Resettlement Center in case of any eventuality in the months ahead.
Chief Inatape said there is no solution to the flooding, aside from relocation and again vowed to remain with his people in the community and continue with their farming unless they sight the floods.
He reiterated that they would seek refuge in nearby Primary Schools or Health Centers as in 2012, if the floods eventually comes.
