…victims seek govt, NEMA intervention

Indigenes of Odio community in Eket Local Government Area have been visited with a torrential rain that destroyed both residential buildings and destroyed household items including clothes, mattresses, cooking utensils and crops.

The heavy downpour which lasted for three days has caused the people untold hardship as they cannot go about their normal business due to the devastating consequences that have visited the community.

Some of the victims who were seen panicking, scampered for help while others were searching for alternative abode to sleep at night as their mattresses were soaked with water, making it impossible for them to sleep on it.

Reacting separately, some of the victims including the former Youth President of Odio, Mr. Uboho Nkanta, former PDP Ward Exco Member, Mr. John Sunday, Mrs. Grace Effiong John and Mrs. Ekaette Young William, among others, expressed regret on the unfortunate disaster, stressing that they haven’t witnessed such devastating rain before in the community.

While they maintained that flood is a natural occurrence that can happen to anyone or community when less expected, they made a passionate appealed to government and NEMA for quick intervention to leverage on their challenges. They also solicited for relief materials to enable the victims to get back on their feet and start life afresh.

Also speaking, the Youth President of Odio, Comrade Anietie Nnah Sunday, commended Governor Umo Eno for his love for Odio people by re-awarding contract for Ndon Eyo-Ikot Akpatek-Ikwe-Odio Road, saying his action has proven him to be a detribalized leader.

He appealed to the State Government and intervention agencies like NDDC and NEMA to visit the community so as to assess the level of destruction caused by the flood and donate relief materials to those seriously affected.