Flood Victims Reject Death Reports As Akwa Ibom Steps Up Drainage Cleanup
Nkemba Residents Correct Flood Narrative as Akwa Ibom Expands Emergency Response Across Uyo
RESIDENTS of Nkemba Street in Uyo have challenged reports claiming that the recent flash floods in Akwa Ibom State claimed two lives within their community, insisting that although the disaster caused substantial destruction to homes and property, no resident died during the incident.
The clarification was made as officials from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) monitored extensive desilting operations aimed at restoring blocked drainage systems across flood-affected areas.
The community described the reports of fatalities as false while commending the state government’s rapid intervention following one of the heaviest rainstorms recorded in recent months.
Community Leaders Dismiss Fatality Reports
Addressing government officials, the Youth President of Iboko Offot, Mr. Francis Jumbo, said the community suffered material losses but recorded no human casualties.
According to him, the flood swept away domestic animals, including a goat and several chickens, while damaging properties and disrupting daily life.
He emphasised that reports suggesting residents died during the flooding misrepresented the true situation on the ground.
Jumbo expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for deploying emergency intervention teams promptly and assured authorities of the community’s support for ongoing flood control measures.
Flood Prevention Takes Centre Stage
Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nsikak Ekong, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing flood risks through sustained environmental interventions.
Following consultations with local leaders and residents, he confirmed that there were no deaths in the Nkemba community despite the severity of the flooding.
He warned that indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drainage channels continues to undermine government investments in flood control infrastructure.
Ekong also announced that illegal structures built on drainage corridors would be removed to restore natural water flow and improve the effectiveness of stormwater management systems.
Drainage Clearance Intensified
The Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NEWMAP, Dr. Ubong Harrison, explained that desilting operations were ongoing in several flood-prone communities under Governor Umo Eno’s directive.
He expressed confidence that the exercise would significantly improve drainage efficiency and reduce future flood incidents.
Chief Aiman Saimua, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amitec Construction Limited, said construction workers were operating continuously to clear accumulated debris and restore blocked channels.
He noted that illegal developments along drainage routes remained one of the biggest challenges confronting flood management efforts in the state.
Residents Urged to Support Environmental Protection
Residents who interacted with officials acknowledged the hardship caused by the flooding but praised the speed with which government agencies responded.
They pledged continued cooperation with authorities while expressing hope that ongoing drainage improvements would protect their communities during future rainy seasons.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, encouraged residents to become active partners in safeguarding drainage infrastructure.
He urged them to educate neighbours against dumping waste into waterways and to cooperate with the removal of structures obstructing drainage channels.
Ndueso also called on journalists to verify reports before publication to prevent misinformation during emergencies.
With desilting operations continuing across Uyo, government officials maintain that combining infrastructure maintenance, stricter environmental enforcement and public cooperation remains essential to building long-term resilience against urban flooding in Akwa Ibom State.
