President-General of Onitsha, Anambra State, Sir Chike Ekweogwu has advised residents of Onitsha residing or doing businesses along the bank of River Niger to relocate immediately ahead of the 2023 flood desaster.
Ekweogwu who spoke at the palace of Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, specifically mentioned Bridge Head market, building materials market and other markets, as well as residential buildings on the bank of the River Niger as worst hit during flooding.
He said the call for them to find refuge in upland areas early enough was necessary to avert obvious calamities associated with the deluge.
According to him, the understanding reached between Nigerian government and that of Cameroon of gradual release of its Dam to avoid excessive flooding in nearby countries did not rule out cases of flooding.
“Athough Federal Government had reached an understanding with the Government of Cameroon to release its Dam in bits to avoid excessive flooding in nearby countries, the coming of the flood has not been completely ruled out.
“Massive sensitisations and public enlightenments have been carried out to advise those close to the River Niger to make contingency plans and relocate for their own safety rather than wait for the flood to come before they take action,” he added.
