Residents of Illushi community in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State have cried out for help to relocate to a safer place as the River Niger overflows its banks.
The residents said more than three-quarters of the community had been submerged by floodwaters from the River Niger.
They said they had listened to forecasts that this year’s flooding would be severe.
The traditional ruler of the community, HRH Christopher Ike Ikebodi, who spoke in an interview, called on the Federal and Edo State governments to provide a safe place for residents to relocate when the floodwaters rise.
He said: “We cannot help ourselves. We rely on government, as we were told that the flood will overtake everywhere.
“We are pleading for help. Illushi has almost been taken away. Three-quarters of the community has been washed away. We are begging the government to help us. When the River Niger overflows its banks, we will be in trouble.”
