The Ijaw National Congress has called on the Federal Government to as matter of urgency, assist victims of the raging flood in the Niger Delta area.
The apex decision making body in Ijaw nation also extended the Save Our Soul message to state governments and well-meaning Nigerians to assist the people.
This was contained in a statement signed by the INC National Publicity Secretary, Engr Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, on Monday.
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The statement further called on the government to find a lasting solution to the situation.
The statement read in full;
“The President of the apex Socio-cultural Organisation of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality, Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) calls on the Federal, State Governments and other well-meaning Nigerians to urgently provide aid and assist flood victims of Ijaw Nation to ameliorate their suffering.
“The Federal Government and the necessary authorities to find a lasting solution to this reoccurring disaster that has caused the loss of several lives, and billions of properties and brought hardship and pain to its citizens by building Dams that would contain flood waters flowing from Cameroon to the country.
“The INC further advise that the Federal and State Governments should not wait until the flood recedes before sending aid to the flood victims as this is the most appropriate time the relief materials will make an impact on the victims
“We wish to state that the Ijaw people suffer most from this ravaging and devastating flood because of the topography of most Ijaw communities, as they dwell below sea level
“INC appeals to the Federal, State Government politicians and other well-meaning Nigerians to assist Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs) and provide the much-needed camps, relief materials, emergency shelter, and other mitigating services to the displaced and vulnerable victims of the flood-affected communities in the Ijaw land.
“The INC notes that the ravaging floods have submerged entirely, all Communities in Bayelsa State, and Ijaw Communities in Rivers, Delta, Edo and Ondo State.
“INC decries that the floods have ravaged ancestral homes, private residences, properties, farmlands, the farm produces, valuables and livelihoods of thousands of people, some of whom have relocated or sought refuge with friends and relatives within and outside the State.
“Most of our monarchs have abandoned their palaces and have relocated to other areas due to the rising flood water.
“Some victims now sleep in the open space, some in makeshift tents and others in vulnerable locations, with no security, social, medical, psychological, or infrastructural support.
“Our traumatised people need immediate help. We face a humanitarian and health crisis with no immediate action taken.
“The INC also use this medium to extend sympathy to the communities and families of the victims of this devastating occurrence.
“INC extend our heartfelt condolences to those who may have lost their loved ones to the floods, and we wish anyone injured a speedy recovery. Be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we pray for an early return to normalcy and comfort.”
