Edo government urges residents in flood-prone communities to relocate

People living around the five identified riverine communities in Edo State that are prone to flooding have been urged to move upland and take refuge in safe havens that have been created in local government areas.

The Edo State Government made this passionate plea to residents in these communities in Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North -East, Esan South-East, Estako Central and Etsako East local councils, prone to flooding to avert disaster.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Yakubu Gowon, noted this in a statement issued in Benin City that the alarm became necessary following days of persistent rainfall coupled with the opening of dams by neighbouring countries.

He maintained that while the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) has warned of high floods in some identified states across the country including Edo, he added that the River Niger is fast over-flowing its bank and urged people living in riverine communities to move upland.

Gowon hereby warned these communities identified as areas prone to flooding, and advised residents to as a matter of urgency, move upland to avoid being overtaken by the menacing flood.