By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Heavy flooding on Monday caused the Ojirami Dam to overflow in Enwan Community, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, destroying a palm oil mill and causing significant losses to a poultry farmer.
The flooding also disrupted daily activities in the community, preventing students from attending school and farmers from accessing their farms, while several businesses remained closed.
The rain reportedly began around 6am on Monday, causing the dam to overflow as erosion affected major roads, while houses and business premises were also inundated.
The owner of the poultry farm, Monday John, said the flood destroyed his means of livelihood, killing about 1,400 birds.
He said, “That is my house. I have poultry. The flood took over everywhere and killed 1,400 of my birds. The rain began at 6am and I woke up to see water everywhere. The government should talk to the water board people.
“They should tell them when to release water.”
Another resident, Chief John Omaze, said floodwater entered his house, destroying his property and palm oil mill.
He said, “Flood destroyed my palm oil mill. Our children could not go to school, and many people did not go to the farm.”
Another resident, Ehis, expressed concern that the situation could worsen if the dam collapsed, urging the state government to take urgent action.
He said, “The government must take action now. If the dam collapses, the effect might be far-reaching as communities will be submerged.”
