Edo communities seek help after dam overflow

BENIN CITY — Residents of Enwan and Akuku communities in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed for urgent government intervention following the overflow of the over 50-year-old Ojirami Dam, which they said destroyed properties and farmlands worth millions of naira.

The flooding, which followed days of heavy rainfall in the area, reportedly affected several homes and businesses, including a poultry farm where about 1,400 birds were said to have been swept away.

The residents also called on the Edo State Government to deploy personnel to the dam, alleging that most of the workers previously stationed there had retired without replacements.

The victims, who are still assessing the extent of the damage, appealed to the state government and relevant emergency management agencies to come to their aid, particularly as heavy rainfall continues in the area.

One of the affected residents, Afe Samuel, said the opening and subsequent overflow of the dam resulted in flooding that swept away the birds at his poultry farm.

“The dam was opened and this place was over flooded. It swept away about 1,400 birds from this poultry here, so we called on the government and the emergency management body to come to our rescue,” he said.

Also speaking, the Odafe of Enwan, HRH Peter Okara, said the community had experienced a similar disaster in August 1980.

Okara expressed concern over the alleged absence of workers at the dam, saying most of the personnel had retired.

“We discovered that there are no workers in Ojirami Dam. Majority of the workers have retired and no staff is in that place now,” he said.

According to him, several houses in both Akuku and Enwan were affected by the flood, with residents reportedly losing household belongings and other valuables.

“Majority of the houses were filled with water, both in Akuku and in Enwan, and as I speak to you, majority of the owners of the houses are still lamenting because water entered them and destroyed many things,” he said.

Okara urged the Edo State Government to urgently intervene and ensure that the dam and its facilities were properly managed.

“We want the Edo State Government to ensure that this water is served to the people as potable water,” he added.