BY RITA NWORIE,
ABAKALIKI
At least 200 families , churches in Amaegbu-Akaeze community, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have been displaced following a devastating flood that destroyed houses, farmlands, crops and other properties.
The disaster reportedly destroyed no fewer than 200 houses and over 500 hectares of farmland, leaving several residents homeless and their means of livelihood severely affected.
Residents said the flood, which submerged large portions of the community, destroyed crops and household belongings, with the value of properties lost estimated at billions of naira.
The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the state, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, who visited the affected community, donated N5 million to the victims as immediate relief.
Odii, who spoke through the state PDP Chairman, Mr Chukwuma Igwe, urged the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously to cushion the effects of the disaster on their families.
Expressing concern over the situation, Odii said the flood had caused extensive damage to homes, farmlands, crops and personal belongings, promising to engage relevant state and Federal Government agencies to secure further assistance for the victims.
“I am not happy with the development. I have been hearing about it. We are here to console you and show you that we are human beings.
“By the grace of God, when we are in government by next year, we will do more. We are going to call on government after our assistance.
“When we assume office, we are going to find a permanent solution to the situation. We will reach out to the state and Federal Governments concerning this matter,” he said.
One of the victims, Mr Ireme Abia, who spoke emotionally, said the flood swept away his farm crops and destroyed valuable properties belonging to his family, while the PDP Chairman in Ivo, Dike Johnson Igoke, appealed to the victims to remain calm and assured them of the party’s continued support.
Also speaking, the PDP House of Representatives candidate for Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, Mr Felix Igboke, said the party visited the community to sympathise with the victims and provide immediate succour.
“What happened is quite avoidable. Government intervention will come. When we come into office, we will take care of the situation permanently,” Igboke said.
The affected residents appealed to the Ebonyi State Government and relevant emergency management agencies to urgently intervene, saying the disaster had left many families without shelter, food and other means of livelihood.
