Ekeke-Erah community in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State has been thrown into disarray following the devastating flood caused by the failure of a dam near the Agric Settlement in Esan West LGA. The flood, which occurred in the early hours of 22nd January 2025, has wreaked havoc on vital infrastructure, farmlands, and the livelihoods of residents.
Among the key infrastructures destroyed is the Oghidekpe Bridge, a crucial link connecting Ekeke-Erah to Ekpoma. The destruction of this bridge has left the community stranded, disrupting business and economic activities, particularly for farmers who rely on it to transport their goods to markets. Furthermore, the Osemihien River Bridge and Ovbieda River Bridge, also within Ekeke-Erah, were severely damaged, compounding the community’s isolation.
Farmers have been the hardest hit by this disaster, with significant losses of agricultural produce, including harvested plantain, seed yams, planted yam farms, and cassava farms. These losses have left many families in dire straits, struggling to recover from the devastating blow.
Additionally, the floodwaters have polluted the Oghidekpe River, previously the community’s primary source of water consumption, rendering it unsafe and inaccessible. This has put the Ekeke-Erah community at severe health risk, with fears of waterborne diseases looming. Residents now face the urgent need for clean and safe drinking water to prevent a public health crisis.
In response to this disaster, the Ekeke-Erah community staged a peaceful protest to the Edo State Government on 25th January 2025, demanding immediate emergency intervention. During the protest, community leaders and residents highlighted their urgent needs, including: the reconstruction of the Oghidekpe Bridge, Osemihien River Bridge, and Ovbieda River Bridge to restore connectivity and facilitate the resumption of normal activities; compensation and intervention to support farmers who have lost their produce and livelihoods; and provision of safe drinking water through the construction of boreholes to replace the contaminated river water.
Speaking on behalf of the community during the protest were Malam Wahab Umoru, a frontline leader and resident of Ekeke-Erah, Chief Yakubu Kadiri, the village head, Hajiya Medina Sumaina, Eunice Aleru, and Hon. Comrade Fred Enaikhe Aleburu, former candidate for Edo State House of Assembly and President of the Owan General Assembly of Nigeria (OGAN).
Addressing the protesters, Hon. Comrade Fred Enaikhe Aleburu emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, saying, “This flood has caused unimaginable suffering to our community. Our infrastructure is in ruins, our farms destroyed, and our water polluted. We call on the Edo State Government and all relevant stakeholders to act now to save Ekeke-Erah.”
The community also warned of worsening health threats if their water crisis is not addressed immediately. The polluted Oghidekpe River has left residents without safe drinking water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
The Ekeke-Erah community therefore urged the Edo State Government, private organizations, and humanitarian agencies to prioritize this disaster and provide the necessary relief and rebuilding efforts.
