The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Hon. Amb. Melvin James Ejeh, has issued a strong appeal for urgent humanitarian assistance for 32 communities reportedly ravaged by flooding in the area.
Ejeh made the appeal on Sunday during a rapid assessment visit by officials of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Nigerian Red Cross, who visited to assess the extent of the damage and the immediate needs of affected residents.
The chairman, who received the delegation alongside traditional rulers from Oweto and Utugolugu, highlighted the pressing challenges facing the communities and stressed the need for immediate intervention to address the humanitarian crisis arising from the disaster.
Reports presented to the assessment team indicated that houses, farmlands, food supplies and essential household belongings had been damaged, threatening the livelihoods and food security of affected families.
As part of immediate safety measures, Ej eh distributed 150 life jackets supplied by the Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADE C) to major boat points, including Oweto, Adana and Abugbe.
He commended HYPPADE C for the intervention and urged boat operators and passengers to observe water safety regulations, particularly the use of life jackets when travelling by boat.
The chairman called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Benue-SEMA, humanitarian organisations and development partners to provide relief materials, food, shelter, medical assistance and livelihood support to the affected residents.
The assessment team was coordinated by the Executive Secretary of Benue-SEMA, Sir James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, PhD, and led by the agency’s Programme Manager for IDP Operations, Mr. Orseer Zege, who represented the executive secretary alongside representatives of IOM and the Nigerian Red Cross.
Zege expressed sympathy with the affected communities and said the assessment findings would guide the planning of appropriate humanitarian interventions. He assured residents that Benue-SEMA was working with relevant agencies and development partners to facilitate assistance.
The chairman was accompanied by the nine ward councillors, led by the Leader of the Agatu Legislative Council, Hon. Tony Simon, the Supervisory Councillor for Revenue, Hon. Danjuma Isah Halidu, and other council officials.
