SaharaReporters had reported how hundreds of persons were trapped while many others were displaced from their homes by the flood that ravaged the entire Ikpide-Irri riverine community of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State two weeks ago.
The Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) has asked the Nigerian Government to declare the Niger Delta region an emergency zone because of the recent flooding that has ravaged many communities in the region.
SaharaReporters had reported how hundreds of persons were trapped while many others were displaced from their homes by the flood that ravaged the entire Ikpide-Irri riverine community of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State two weeks ago.
SaharaReporters gathered that the flood destroyed properties as well as agricultural produce such as yams, cassava, groundnuts, potatoes, vegetables and plantains worth several millions of naira as the water level continued to rise.
On a visit to the community, SaharaReporters observed that the water, which gained entry into the entire community through the River Niger, damaged houses and properties.
NDYC therefore in a statement made available to SaharaReporters urged the government to declare the region an emergency zone to address the problems that flooding has caused for the Niger Delta populace and the ecosystem.
The statement read in part: “The NDYC also called on the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the area to urgently set up emergency relief centres to assist persons who are homeless and without any means of livelihood as a result of the flooding.
“Engr. Jator Abido, the National Coordinator of NDYC at a press conference maintained that the situation in the area is grave and requires urgent attention not only from the National Emergency Agency (NEMA) but indeed all bodies operating in the region.
“He emphasised that the region should not only be seen as the chicken that lays the golden egg but can be left to fend for itself as soon as it plays such an important role, noting that all stakeholders must rise to support the area during this time of the overwhelming flood.
“He further explained that although there was an early warning sign which ought to have activated some remedial measures, such was not hearkened to.
“While expressing worry at the condition of the victims whom he described as 'sorrowful', Engr. Abido said the lackadaisical attitude so far displayed by the appropriate authority calls for concern.
“He enjoined all well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of victims as well as put in preventive mechanisms in place as part of deliberate efforts to safeguard the menace."
Responding to a question, Abido said: “The entire Niger Delta region is now an endangered place. The area is treated with disdain even by those who are making fortunes from our land.
“Our water bodies have become one of the most polluted in the country. We bear the consequences of oil spills which in some cases arise from the negligence of the exploiters.
“Now, this phenomenon is taking a great toll on us and nobody seems to look our way. This is disheartening. It should not be allowed. All those who are either vertically or horizontally benefiting from our natural endowments must wake up from their slumber and support us in this moment of need.”