A flood disaster in Enohia Itim, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has claimed eight lives and destroyed over 800 farmlands, leaving residents in shock and mourning. The incident, which struck a large plantain plantation on August 1, also swept away children among the victims. Only three bodies have been recovered so far, while five remain missing.
Afikpo LGA Chairman, Timothy Nwachi, expressed deep condolences to bereaved families and assured that the local government would work with state and federal agencies to provide relief and prevent future occurrences. He urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer ground.
The Councilor representing Itim Ward, Francis Abani Okpani, said the Federal Ministry of Environment had earlier warned that Afikpo was at high risk of flooding. He advised residents to improve drainage systems and keep waterways clear to reduce disaster risks.
The disaster comes as Ebonyi faces widespread flooding across several LGAs, with heavy rains submerging rice, yam, and cassava farms in Izi, Abakaliki, and Ikwo. Farmers are counting huge losses and calling for urgent government intervention.
Commissioner for Environment, Victor Chukwu, blamed part of the crisis in Abakaliki on an incomplete drainage project under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). He revealed that the state has paid its counterpart fund for the second phase, EIB NUMAP, and is now intensifying public awareness campaigns, urging residents in low-lying areas to relocate as the rains continue.
