The entire Udaba-Ekperi community in Etsako Central Local Government area of Edo State has been sacked by flood rendering indigenes and residents of the community homeless for several weeks.
The overflowing of water to the normally dry land of this community did not spare any house, Farmland, school, market, worship and health centers as the locals told Ait that over seven persons have died due to the hazards caused by the ravaging flood in the area.
Similarly, residents of high chief Raymond Dokpesi and several buildings in Agenebode Etsako east local government area were also seriously affected by the overwhelming quantity of water from River Niger.
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Agenebode community in Etsako east local government area of Edo state shares boundary with Kogi state and the River Niger separates Edo from Kogi state through Agenebode.
Agenebode community is not spared from the 2022 flood that has ravaged Kogi state and many other states in the country.
The residence of the founder of DAAR communications PLC high chief Raymond Dokpesi in Agenebode, his hometown was overtaken by flood, forcing occupants to relocate.
Several buildings in the community were also pulled down by the flood.
Some of the affected victims narrated how difficult life has been since the flood began.
From Agenebode, we moved to Udaba-Ekperi community in Etsako Central local government area of the state.
Here the situation was worse, as the entire community was flooded, rendering Indigenes and residents homeless and stranded, the only access route to Udaba-Ekperi community presently was by canoe from the main road.
Farmlands and schools were overtaken by the flood, markets, worship and health centers also suffered the same fate.
One of the young men I interviewed said since there were no more places to defecate, they defecated on the water, and unfortunately drink from the same water which posed serious health challenges to them.
According to the victims, the hazard caused by the flood has led to the death of several persons who are yet to be buried because of the high volume of water.
From one end to the other in Udaba community which was all covered with water, except the small portion of land they said just experienced drought, and now accommodating the most affected victims.
Canon was now a popular household property in the Community since it was the only means of transportation.
Makers of the canoes are making good business out of the situation.
The people are predominantly farmers and are well known for producing rice, Cassava and other food items, but the overflowing water from River Niger has shattered their only source of livelihood.
At the moment, there is no rescue in sight for the people of Udaba-Ekperi community in Edo state, they hope the water will dry soon so they can return to their normal life.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
