Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru has ordered the evacuation and relocation of residents in flood-affected areas of Ivo and Ohaozara Local Government Areas.
He directed the State Emergency Management Agency to intensify damage assessments and work with the National Emergency Management Agency and other federal authorities on relief and rehabilitation.
The directive followed flooding in Akaeze, Ivo LGA, after heavy rainfall on Tuesday night, September 22, and into Wednesday, September 23.
The flooding damaged houses, farmlands, livestock and household property. An initial report on September 24 said about 60 houses were destroyed and roughly 300 residents displaced in Amaegbu, Akaeze.
SEMA Executive Secretary, Clement Ovuoba, said on September 25 that the agency was assessing the damage and considering evacuation. He confirmed that no death had been recorded in the Akaeze incident at the time.
By September 28, SEMA said it had assessed Akaeze and other affected locations and relocated some residents from dangerous areas.
Flooding was also reported in Uburu, Okposi and Ukawu, affecting homes and other property.
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Nwifuru said the state had contacted NEMA for additional assistance and that intervention would be based on verified assessments of residents’ needs.
He urged affected residents to cooperate with emergency officials and stay away from flood-prone areas and damaged structures until they are declared safe.
Residents were also advised to heed weather and flood alerts, comply with evacuation directives and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and waterways.
The latest flooding highlights Ebonyi’s recurring exposure to flood disasters. A joint 2024 assessment by NEMA, Ebonyi SEMA and humanitarian partners recorded 283,055 people affected across four local government areas.
NEMA also conducted a grassroots flood early-warning programme in the state in 2024, urging residents to act on official warnings and take preventive measures.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Nwifuru cautioned political actors against exploiting the disaster for partisan purposes and urged stakeholders to prioritise the safety and welfare of affected residents.
He assured affected communities that government response and recovery efforts would continue as assessments progressed.