Flooding in Nkalunta Ibere village, Otu Uzo-Ibere, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, has displaced over 300 people after the Akoo River overflowed its banks following a week of heavy rainfall. The disaster destroyed homes, farms, livestock, poultry, and even churches, leaving residents homeless and vulnerable to hunger and disease. Aquatic animals including fish and reptiles were swept onto land as the river surged beyond its normal level, compounding the crisis.
Residents of the affected community reported that the relentless downpour lasting seven days caused the river to rise dramatically, inundating entire neighborhoods. Many families are now sleeping outdoors under the open sky, exposed to cold weather and health risks. The destruction has left communities without shelter, food, or basic necessities, prompting urgent appeals for government intervention.
Maxwell Otuonye, President-General of Ibere Clan Development Union Federated, and Kalu Chukwuemeka Israel, Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate for Ikwuano LGA House of Assembly, jointly called on the Abia State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief. They emphasized that the situation is dire and warned of potential disease outbreaks due to poor sanitation and lack of clean water.
Anthony Nwaubani, Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, visited the flooded areas and described the incident as a major disaster requiring urgent federal and state-level response. He acknowledged that his office lacks the resources to manage such a large-scale emergency alone. His assessment underscores the need for coordinated national support to address the humanitarian crisis.
Henry Ikoh, former Minister of State for Science and Technology and a native of Ikwuano, also appealed to both the Federal and Abia State Governments to rush aid to the affected villagers. He stressed the urgency of providing food, medical supplies, temporary shelters, and clean water to prevent further suffering.
This flooding follows a similar tragedy in Ugwueke community, Bende LGA, where a 37-year-old trader, Mr. Ejiuwa, drowned while returning from the market during floodwaters. The recurring floods highlight the vulnerability of communities in Abia State to climate-related disasters, especially during the rainy season.
As rescue and relief efforts continue, the affected populations remain in urgent need of assistance. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of flooding in Nigeria’s southeastern region and the importance of proactive disaster preparedness and infrastructure development.
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