*Reps direct NEMA to provide relief materials to the displaced

By Emman Ovuakporie and Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA- A devastating rainfall last week wrecked havoc in thirteen communities in Akoko-Edo, Edo state, killing a 63 year old woman, Ibukun Obamodi, while 11 persons sustained injuries and in critical conditions.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday called on the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to provide relief materials for the displaced victims and also take inventory of damages caused with a view to assisting the victims.

The House also in its resolution, mandated its Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to visit the communities and make recommendations within two weeks on how to prevent reoccurrence.

The House resolution was sequel to the motion sponsored by the member representing Akoko Edo Federal Constituency, Comrade Peter Akpatason, titled, “Devastating rainstorm in Akoko Edo Federal Constituency.”

The lawmaker told the House that the disaster which claimed the life of his constituent Mrs Ibukun Obamodi and sacked many families with colossal damages of property, took place on Wednesday, 29th March, 2017.

According to him, “the rainstorm which happened in Lampese, Ibillo, Ugboshi Afe, Imoga, Ugboshi Ele, Ekpedo, Uneme Nekhua, Aietoro, Igarra, Ojirami Petesh, Ojirami Afe and Ososo communities blew off roads, damaged walls of about 250 buildings and rendered hundreds of people homeless, thereby exposing them to unhealthy weather conditions.

“The internally displaced persons are presently taking refuge in make-shift accommodations under harsh weather conditions and if relief materials and other necessary supplies are not provided on good time, they will suffer avoidable health hazards from further exposure to the elements and more rainfall.”

Speaking to Vanguard, Akpatason said there were additional two communities that were involved in the rainstorm disaster and that the deceased left children behind.

He said he had sent some of his aides to visit all the communities affected as well as the traditional rulers, adding, “I cannot abandon my people.”