The Village Head of Ukwa in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Samuel Ime Johnson, has made an urgent appeal to the federal, state and local governments to intervene following severe flooding that has devastated his community and surrounding areas.
Chief Johnson said the disaster reached a frightening peak on Isong Udoito – Ediam Road, where floodwaters completely submerged a bridge and nearly claimed the lives of a family of three. According to him, a father and his two children were driving a Toyota Corolla to an early morning mass when their vehicle was trapped by the rising water. He said divine intervention saved them from being swept away.
The traditional ruler noted that the impact of the flood has been extensive. Over 30 households, including ancestral homes, have been threatened, while vast hectares of farmlands are now completely submerged. He added that businesses in Ukwa Village and adjoining communities have been paralyzed, with residents counting huge losses to their livelihoods and food sources.
He specifically highlighted the situation on the Isong Udoito – Ediam Road bridge, describing it as a major access route that has been rendered impassable. The flooding of the bridge, he said, has cut off movement for residents, farmers and traders who depend on the road daily for economic activities and access to markets in Eket town.
Chief Johnson stressed that temporary measures will no longer suffice. He called for a more durable structural solution that includes regular desilting of drainages, proper waste disposal, effective environmental management, and strict enforcement of town planning policies. According to him, these steps are critical to preventing a recurrence and protecting lives and property.
Also lending his voice, community leader Chief Godwin Nkuh urged relevant agencies to act swiftly. He specifically called on the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to work in collaboration with local leaders to provide immediate relief materials to displaced persons and families whose homes and farms have been destroyed.
Both leaders said the community cannot wait any longer for a complete remedy to the flooding. They appealed for urgent government intervention to control the floods, restore damaged infrastructure, and safeguard residents ahead of the peak of the rainy season.
The flood also affected several adjoining areas including Ufot Street, Salvation Road, Edem Udo, Udo Umoh, Afaha Eket Road, Etebi Idung Iwak Road, and Afaha Uqua, Grace bill among others.
