Dam overflow floods Edo community, residents fear disaster

Heavy floods have caused the overflow of the Ojirami dam in the Enwan Community in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, destroying an oil mill and causing losses for a poultry farm.

Also, students were prevented from attending classes, farmers were hindered from going to their farms, while many stores were not open for business.

The rain was said to have started at about 6 am causing the dam to overflow as erosion took over the major roads in the community, while houses and business places were also flooded.

The owner of the poultry farm, Monday John, told journalists that his means of livelihood had been destroyed, wondering how he would start again in these difficult times.

“That is my house. I have poultry. The flood took over everywhere and killed 1,400 of my birds. The rain began at 6 am and I woke up to see water everywhere. The government should talk to the water board people.

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They should tell them when to release water,” he added.

Another resident, Chief John Omaze, said flood water entered his house and destroyed his property and his palm oil mill.

“Flood destroyed my palm oil mill. Our children could not go to school, and many people did not go to the farm.”

Another resident, who gave his name as Ehis, noted that there is fear among residents that a major disaster might occur if the dam collapses, calling on the state government to take action to prevent the disaster.

“The government must take action now. If the dam collapses, the effect might be far-reaching as communities will be submerged,” he added.

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