By Abdullahi Lukman
The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has appealed to the Edo State Government to assist the residents of Ekeke-Erah community in Owan East Local Government Area (LGA) following the collapse of a dam that severely damaged their environment.
The incident occurred on January 22, 2025, near the Agric Settlement in Esan West LGA, leading to flooding and destruction in Ekeke-Erah.
The dam failure caused the collapse of multiple key bridges, including the first and second Oghidekpe Bridges, Osemihien River Bridge, and Ovbieda River Bridge, severing access to the community.
According to Fred Enaikhe Aleburu, President of the Owan General Assembly of Nigeria (OGAN), the flood submerged farmlands, resulting in significant agricultural losses, and contamination of the Oghidekpe River left residents without access to clean drinking water.
Following the alleged delay by the Emergency Management Agency (EDOEMA) the community organized a peaceful protest demanding urgent intervention from the government.
This led to a commitment from local officials, including Aruna Mohammed and Barr. Eric Okaka, to rebuild the damaged bridges and install boreholes for clean water.
Related Posts
The Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EDOSEMA) also pledged to report the matter to the state governor.
To address immediate needs, a philanthropist, Amb. Barr. Joseph Eriki donated ₦1 million, which funded the distribution of 20,000 bags of clean water to the community.
However, more than two weeks after the disaster, the residents are still awaiting tangible action, including repairs to infrastructure, medical support, and agricultural aid to help restore their livelihoods and prevent future crises.
Village Head of Ekeke-Erah, Chief Yakubu Kadiri, expressed the community’s frustration, highlighting the critical shortage of safe drinking water.
He explained that the community’s main water source, the Oghidekpe River, had been contaminated by the dam failure, and some residents had been hospitalized due to waterborne diseases.
The dam, which was a government project, had been constructed at the river’s source, and its collapse led to the flooding and pollution.
Chima Williams, Executive Director of EDEN, criticized the slow response of the Edo State Government, urging it to quickly provide potable water, repair the destroyed bridges, and compensate the community for their agricultural losses.
He also called for a medical team to be sent to the community to treat those affected by the disaster.
