The Senate has asked the federal government agencies to urgently assess and respond to the humanitarian crises caused by recent flooding in Adamawa and Ondo states.
This appeal was made during a session on Tuesday, as Senators discussed the devastating impact of floods that have left thousands of residents displaced and in dire need of assistance.
In separate motions, Senator Amos Yohana, representing Adamawa North, and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN, representing Ondo Central, highlighted the urgent need for intervention in their respective regions. Senator Adegbonmire brought attention to the severe flooding that struck Ondo town in Ondo West Local Government Area on October 4, 2024, causing widespread destruction.
During his address, Adegbonmire lamented the destruction of approximately 1,000 homes, 25 schools, and 20 worship centers, displacing over 7,000 individuals. He detailed the severe impact on vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, with reports of missing children and substantial property damage. “Residents now find themselves homeless, their houses and vehicles submerged,” he stated, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation.
Senator Adegbonmire expressed deep concern over the negative effects of the flooding on shelter, security, food, medical care, clean water, electricity, and the overall economic situation of the affected communities. “This has exacerbated the already challenging economic conditions of those impacted,” he asserted, calling for urgent action to alleviate their suffering.
In response to the Senators’ concerns, the Senate unanimously agreed on several requests, including conducting an urgent assessment
The Senate called on the Federal Government to undertake an immediate on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas in both Ondo and Adamawa states to devise long-term solutions to the recurring flooding issues.
It also urged for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief materials to those displaced by the floods in Ondo West Local Government Area.
It also urged the Federal Ministry of Power to ensure that the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) restores electricity supply to the impacted regions.
The Senate also stressed the importance of developing a robust response plan for natural disasters to mitigate future crises.
Senator Yohanna also presented a motion detailing the catastrophic flooding in five local governments within Adamawa North Senatorial District: Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi North, and Mubi South. He reported widespread destruction of homes and farmland, as well as the loss of lives due to the floods.
“The flooding has overwhelmed local capacities, leaving thousands in urgent need of shelter, food, medical care, and clean water,” Yohanna remarked, warning that the situation could lead to a further humanitarian crisis with many displaced individuals taking refuge in schools.
The Senate resolved to direct NEMA to prioritize outreach and assistance to the affected communities and called on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency to rehabilitate the damaged bridges, including Shuwa, Jigalambu, and Baladega.
As the Senate takes decisive steps to address the ongoing crises in Adamawa and Ondo states, it underscores the critical need for swift government intervention to support affected residents and restore stability in these communities.