On Wednesday, the House of Representatives called for the Federal Government’s intervention to prevent an impending national disaster caused by flooding and erosion in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency of Benue State due to the collapse of River Benue.
The resolution was passed following a motion sponsored by Hon. Ojotu Ojema, who sought the House’s intervention.
In his lead debate, Hon. Ojema expressed concern over the plight of his constituents who face annual flooding, especially residents of the Enminyi community in Agatu Local Government Area living around the Benue River.
He noted that while the Benue River should attract tourists and revenue for the Federal Government and Benue State, it has brought nothing but agony to the people, with loss of lives, properties, and means of livelihood due to flooding from the damaged shorelines and other ecological causes.
The flooding has led to the submersion of houses, farmlands, schools, hospitals, markets, and other public places in the Federal constituency, displacing people and halting economic and agricultural activities.
The disaster has resulted in numerous deaths of residents in the riverside communities, with deteriorating health conditions due to waterborne diseases. If not addressed, a large part of the Federal Constituency may face extinction due to flooding and erosion.
To ensure the safety of citizens living in the affected areas, the House tasked the Federal Ministry of Environment, Ecological Fund Office, and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to address the erosion and flooding menace in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.
The lawmakers also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to open a sub-station within the Federal Constituency to provide quick relief to flood and erosion victims while addressing the ecological problems.
The House mandated the joint Committees on Environment, Ecology, and Special Duties (when constituted) to engage with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ecological Fund Office to develop a lasting work plan to address the erosion and flooding challenges in Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency.
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