Residents of several riverine communities across parts of the Niger Delta are increasingly affected by flooding, with some families reportedly forced to leave their homes and seek temporary refuge in neighbouring communities that have not yet been severely affected.
Speaking to journalists in Warri after a patrol operation, Captain Eric Foutoro, Officer in Charge of the Delta, Edo and Bayelsa States Waterways Patrol and Head of RIVERINE SECURITY (Coast-Guard of the Federation), expressed concern over the worsening flooding situation in parts of the region.
Captain Foutoro said members of the Riverine Security waterways patrol team had observed rising floodwaters in several communities along the Bomadi waterways and other parts of Bayelsa State during recent patrols across the creeks and waterways of the Niger Delta.
According to him, some residents have already begun relocating from affected communities to nearby areas considered safer and less affected by the rising floodwaters.
He disclosed that the Riverine Security team had recently assisted residents of Akugbene and Ogbuyema communities in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, as well as residents in other affected locations, where floodwaters had risen considerably, making it increasingly difficult and unsafe for some residents to remain in their homes.
Captain Foutoro stated that Riverine Security personnel across the Niger Delta remained prepared, within the scope of their operations, to provide transportation and logistical support to legitimate humanitarian and emergency efforts involving government authorities, humanitarian organisations, private organisations and individuals seeking to assist affected communities.
He also stated that, according to observations from their operations, some security challenges, including reported incidents of piracy, militant activities and other criminal activities, had reduced in some parts of the region. He therefore encouraged individuals, organisations and businesses operating in or engaging with riverine communities to observe appropriate safety measures and coordinate with relevant authorities and local structures.
The Commander General of RIVERINE SECURITY (Coast-Guard of the Federation), Commander Bibi Oduku, called on the Federal Government, relevant ministries and agencies, and state governments in riverine areas to urgently establish accessible emergency locations and temporary shelters where residents displaced by flooding can seek refuge.
Commander Bibi expressed concern that, despite previous government interventions and humanitarian responses during flood emergencies, many vulnerable residents in hard-to-reach riverine communities continue to experience difficulties accessing assistance.
He also called for greater transparency and accountability in the distribution of relief materials to flood victims.
According to Commander Bibi, humanitarian organisations, government agencies and other bodies often provide food, relief materials and other forms of assistance, but there are concerns that some of these interventions may not always reach the communities and individuals most affected.
He therefore urged authorities and humanitarian organisations providing assistance to work closely with credible community-based structures, local representatives and appropriate security or monitoring teams familiar with the affected areas.
Commander Bibi said:
“Any authority or organisation supporting flood-affected citizens should work with people who know the affected communities and join them to the right locations, so that the real victims of the flooding can receive the assistance provided for them.”
Commander Bibi Oduku also appealed to governors and state governments in riverine states not to neglect communities located in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
He urged state governments to prioritise the safety, welfare and basic needs of residents in riverine communities, particularly during periods of flooding and other emergencies.
He stressed that residents of riverine communities require continuous government attention and support and should not receive attention only during election periods.
He called for sustainable measures, including accessible emergency shelters, effective evacuation plans, improved waterways emergency response systems and transparent mechanisms for delivering relief materials directly to affected residents.
The Riverine Security leadership further urged government authorities, humanitarian organisations, private organisations and individuals willing to assist to coordinate their efforts with credible local structures to ensure that support reaches the communities and families most severely affected by the flooding.
Also speaking, Captain Oprom ThankGod, Head of Operations covering Rivers to Cross River States, described the impact of flooding on residents in riverine communities within his area of responsibility.
He said officers had, in the course of their duties, devoted time and resources to assisting residents affected by flooding, including helping some people move to communities and locations considered safer and less affected by the floodwaters.
Captain Oprom ThankGod said the temporary relocation of affected residents was necessary in some areas while awaiting further interventions and support from the relevant state and federal authorities.
He also acknowledged ongoing efforts by the governments of Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States in addressing issues relating to the safety and security of residents, particularly in communities located around waterways.
Meanwhile, Captain Balogun Friday, Officer in Charge of Lagos and the South-Western States, described the effect of flooding on residents living in waterfront and riverine communities.
He noted that some residents, including people living in areas with significant property investments, could be forced to temporarily leave their homes if floodwaters continued to rise.
Captain Balogun warned residents living around waterways and other flood-prone riverine locations to remain vigilant and prepare for possible temporary relocation where necessary.
He said the Riverine Security leadership had instructed its personnel to carry out humanitarian and safety-support activities within their respective areas of responsibility, particularly where residents face immediate risks arising from flooding and other emergencies.
According to him, the objective is to support the protection of lives and assist residents in reaching safer locations when circumstances require such intervention.
Captain Balogun further spoke about ongoing security operations within waterways and riverine communities, noting the activities of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the Nigerian Navy in tackling reported cases of illegal oil bunkering, piracy and other forms of criminal activity in waterways across the country.
He said effective coordination among security agencies, local communities and relevant stakeholders remained important in maintaining safety and security in riverine areas.
RIVERINE SECURITY (Coast-Guard of the Federation) reaffirmed its readiness to support legitimate emergency and humanitarian efforts within riverine communities of the Niger Delta and other areas within the scope of its operations.
The organisation called for stronger coordination among federal and state authorities, emergency-response agencies, humanitarian organisations, security agencies, community leaders, private organisations and individuals willing to assist flood-affected communities.
It urged stakeholders to prioritise the protection of lives, timely evacuation where necessary, accessible emergency shelters and transparent distribution of relief materials.
The organisation further appealed to residents in flood-prone riverine communities to remain alert, follow safety guidance from relevant authorities and seek safer locations whenever their homes or communities become unsafe due to rising floodwaters.
RIVERINE SECURITY (Coast-Guard of the Federation) maintained that protecting lives and supporting legitimate humanitarian efforts should remain a shared responsibility among government institutions, security agencies, humanitarian organisations, community leaders and citizens.
