RismadarVoice Reporters
September 28, 2026
The Ebonyi State Government has activated emergency response measures following flooding in Akaeze, Ivo Local Government Area, and other parts of the state, which displaced residents and destroyed farmlands, crops, property and other sources of livelihood.
The government expressed sympathy to affected residents in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh.
Omebeh said Governor Francis Nwifuru had directed the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency to intensify assessments across affected communities and coordinate appropriate emergency interventions.
According to him, the measures will include relief and rehabilitation efforts based on verified assessments of the damage and the immediate needs of affected households.
The commissioner said the state government was also engaging the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant federal institutions to secure additional intervention and support for affected communities.
He said priority would be given to addressing immediate humanitarian needs and helping residents restore livelihoods damaged by the flooding.
Residents in affected areas were urged to remain calm and cooperate with emergency officials conducting assessments and coordinating relief operations.
The government also warned displaced residents against returning prematurely to flood-prone locations or entering buildings that may have suffered structural damage until the relevant authorities declare them safe.
Omebeh urged residents, particularly those living in vulnerable communities, to pay attention to weather forecasts and flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and other competent authorities.
Residents were advised to comply with evacuation directives where necessary, avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and waterways and promptly report emerging dangers to emergency-response agencies.
The state government also cautioned political parties, candidates and their supporters against politicising the disaster or exploiting the difficulties confronting affected residents for partisan purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“While political actors have the constitutional right to canvass for public support, the government considers it important that public discourse remains issue-based, responsible and devoid of inflammatory rhetoric capable of aggravating the anxiety and vulnerability of disaster-affected communities,” the statement said.
The government acknowledged the contributions of traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies, first responders and humanitarian organisations involved in responding to the flooding.
Omebeh said the Nwifuru administration remained committed to protecting lives and livelihoods while strengthening the ability of vulnerable communities to withstand future flooding and other natural hazards.
“The government therefore reassures the people of Akaeze, Ivo Local Government Area, and all other affected communities that they are not alone in this difficult period,” he said.
Authorities are expected to determine the full extent of the damage as assessments of affected communities continue.
