Victims of the recent flash flood that ravaged parts of Ute-Okpu Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State have sent a passionate appeal to government authorities and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent assistance.
It would be recalled that on July 8th, 2025, residents of Ibiegwa Quarters in Ute-Okpu Kingdom were hit by a devastating flash flood that left many homeless and stranded.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, Mr. Simon Aliemeke, who is currently taking refuge in a friend’s house, described the incident as a life-altering tragedy that he and his family are still struggling to comprehend.
“This is not the first time we are experiencing flooding, but this year’s incident was different. It was much heavier and overwhelmed every effort we made to contain it,” Mr. Aliemeke lamented.
According to him, anticipating the rainy season, he had invested in building a perimeter fence around his compound as a protective measure. Unfortunately, the sheer force of the floodwaters brought the fence down within minutes, allowing the raging waters to invade his home.
“I was away looking for our daily bread when the flood came. It was my neighbours and members of the community who risked their lives to rescue my wife and children. They managed to escape with their lives, but everything else was lost—our clothes, my children’s school books and uniforms, electronics, everything was swept into a nearby burrow pit. As I speak to you, we have nothing left. Even the food we eat now is by the mercy of kind-hearted people,” he said, fighting back tears.
Mr. Aliemeke also attributed the worsening situation to poor drainage in the area, noting that recent road constructions diverted more floodwaters into his compound.
“Even floods from Otolokpo community and surrounding farm roads end up here because there is no proper channel to direct the water elsewhere,” he explained.
For a lasting solution, Mr. Aliemeke urged the government to relocate residents living in high-risk areas and to urgently desilt the drainage systems and nearby burrow pits to accommodate future floodwaters.
“Honestly, this problem is beyond the capacity of the villagers. Only the government can solve it. As a temporary measure, they should open up the blocked gutters and burrow pits in our community. We have two burrow pits here but they are already silted and cannot hold water anymore,” he stated.
He also called on both local, state, and federal governments to consider relocating affected residents to safer areas to prevent a repeat of the disaster.
“I cannot even wish this kind of suffering on my worst enemy. We need help. Feeding has become a daily challenge. We are pleading with the government and public-spirited individuals to come to our aid,” he appealed.
Mr. Aliemeke, however, expressed his gratitude to those who came to their rescue during the flood and to those who have supported the victims in various ways since the incident. He said the community remains hopeful that help will come from both the government and well-meaning citizens of Ute-Okpu Kingdom and beyond.