RESIDENTS of Olumbanasa Communities in Anambra West Local Government Area, LGA, have been displaced as their communities have been completely submerged in raging floodwaters.

The floodwaters, mainly from the River Niger had continued to flow ceaselessly into communities, displacing people from their original places of abode.

The communities are Odumegwu, Odeh, Igbokenyi, Igbador, Odekpe, Allah and Onogwa, which share boundary with Kogi State.

The indigenes, mainly fishermen and farmers, were apprehensive that current flooding situation could be worse than what they experienced during 2012, when they faced devastating consequences.

Pius Ojouile Omachonu, traditional ruler of Olumbanasa,  appealed to government at all levels to come to their rescue.

Omachonu expressed displeasure at vehement reluctance by some displaced persons from moving to designated Holding Centres.

“People have emotional attachment to their original places of abode and fear the unknown, following trauma they faced during similar flooding in 2012.

“We don’t have arrangements except the town hall built through communal effort; that is where people moved in while some moved to their relations’ or neighbours,” the monarch said.

Omachonu said it was regrettable that Olumbanasa had been totally submerged and cut off by flooding.

“Save your lives first instead of attending to material things, which you can later gain back in life,’’ he advised residents.

He commended Governor Willie Obiano for his effort at ensuring that his people were safe and secure.

He called on leaders of riverine communities to educate their people on importance of saving lives first.

– Sept. 20, 2018 @ 13:55 GMT |