RismadarVoice Reporters
September 28, 2026
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has directed the State Emergency Management Agency to evacuate residents affected by flooding in Ivo and Ohaozara Local Government Areas of the state.
The governor also ordered the agency to intensify assessments of affected communities and coordinate relief and rehabilitation efforts in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities.
The directive followed flooding in Akaeze, Ivo Local Government Area, and other affected communities, where homes, farmlands, crops, property and sources of livelihood were reportedly destroyed.
Nwifuru expressed concern over the impact of the disaster and sympathised with families whose homes and livelihoods had been affected.
The governor said the state government had contacted NEMA to provide additional assistance through established disaster-response mechanisms.
He assured affected residents that the government would prioritise immediate humanitarian needs while taking steps to restore livelihoods and strengthen vulnerable communities against future flooding.
“No effort will be spared in addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of affected residents,” Nwifuru said.
Residents in affected communities were urged to remain calm and cooperate with emergency personnel carrying out assessments, evacuations and relief operations.
Nwifuru also warned residents against returning prematurely to flood-prone areas or entering buildings that may have suffered structural damage until they have been declared safe by the appropriate authorities.
The governor cautioned political parties, candidates and other political actors against exploiting the disaster for partisan purposes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged political and community leaders to ensure that public discussions surrounding the flooding remained focused on the safety and welfare of affected residents.
“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,” he said.
The state government also advised residents, particularly those in flood-prone communities, to closely monitor weather forecasts and flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and other relevant authorities.
Residents were urged to comply with evacuation directives where necessary, avoid flooded roads, bridges and waterways and promptly report emerging threats to emergency-response agencies.
Nwifuru commended traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies, first responders, humanitarian organisations and residents assisting with the emergency response.
He assured residents of Akaeze and other affected communities that government intervention would continue as officials establish the extent of the damage and determine the needs of displaced households.
The governor said subsequent relief and rehabilitation measures would be guided by verified assessments conducted by emergency-management officials.
