The Ebonyi State Government has expressed sympathy with the residents of Akaeze in Ivo Local Government Area and other communities across the state devastated by recent flash floods, which submerged farmlands, destroyed property, and displaced scores of households.
Acknowledging the severe economic disruption and emotional toll on the affected families, the state government assured citizens of swift, structured intervention to cushion the impact of the disaster.
In a press statement released on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh, disclosed that Governor Francis Nwifuru has instructed the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA) to scale up its field assessments and coordinate immediate humanitarian relief.
Omebeh said that Nwifuru urged the agency to intensify its assessment of the affected areas and coordinate appropriate emergency-response measures, including relief, rehabilitation, and other forms of support required to mitigate the impact of the flooding.
The commissioner added that the state was actively collaborating with federal agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to secure complementary assistance under established intergovernmental disaster-response frameworks.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment to citizen welfare under the “People’s Charter of Needs,” he emphasised that no effort would be spared in addressing both immediate relief needs and long-term climate resilience.
He cautioned residents against returning prematurely to flooded zones.
“While the government recognises the seriousness of the situation, we urge affected residents to remain calm and cooperate fully with emergency-response officials conducting assessments,” said the commissioner.
“Residents are strongly advised against returning prematurely to flood-prone areas or occupying structurally compromised buildings until such locations are declared safe by competent authorities.”
Addressing the political climate ahead of the 2027 general elections, he cautioned political actors against exploiting the tragedy for campaign leverage or partisan gain.
“While political actors have the constitutional right to canvass for public support, the government considers it important that public discourse remains issue-based, responsible, and devoid of inflammatory rhetoric capable of aggravating the anxiety and vulnerability of disaster-affected communities,” he added.
“We call on political parties, candidates, community leaders, and stakeholders to demonstrate restraint and place the safety, dignity, and welfare of citizens above partisan considerations, particularly in moments of humanitarian distress.”
Early-Warning Alerts
The government further urged residents across low-lying locations to strictly adhere to weather bulletins and flood advisories issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and local emergency handlers.
Residents were advised to monitor official updates, observe evacuation directives promptly, refrain from crossing flooded roads or bridges, and report emerging threats to authorities.
Commending the resilience of affected residents, traditional institutions, security personnel, and first responders, the government reassured the people of Akaeze and impacted communities statewide that full recovery support is underway.
“Government’s intervention will continue to be guided by verified assessments of needs and the overriding objective of ensuring that affected citizens receive appropriate assistance,” the statement added.
“The people of Akaeze, Ivo Local Government Area, and all other affected communities are not alone in this difficult period. Appropriate state machinery has been fully activated.”
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