By Aniebiet Udo
Residents of Ekperikpe Ekpo Avenue, near Hospital Road in the Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have made a passionate appeal to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Federal Government, and relevant emergency management agencies for immediate intervention following devastating floods that destroyed homes and property after two days of torrential rainfall.
The heavy downpour, which occurred on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and Monday, July 12, 2026, left many communities across the state submerged, with severe flooding reported in several residential areas.
However, residents of Ekperikpe Ekpo Avenue described their experience as one of the worst in the state, stating that the disaster has rendered many families homeless and left them counting significant losses.
Among the worst-hit victims are Mr. and Mrs. Aniekan Effiong, whose residence was completely overtaken by floodwaters.
Eyewitnesses told INSIGHT newspapers, weekend, that the flood inundated every part of their compound, destroyed household property, and knocked down the perimeter fence protecting the building.
According to residents, the volume of water rose rapidly during the rainfall, making it impossible to salvage valuables before the flood swept through the neighborhood, while furniture, electrical appliances, clothing, important documents, and other personal belongings were either destroyed or washed away by the raging flood.
Speaking about the unfortunate incident, neighbours described the level of destruction as heartbreaking, noting that many affected families have been left in distress and are struggling to recover from the disaster.
The residents blamed the recurring flooding on inadequate drainage infrastructure and poor flood management, stating that the area has become increasingly vulnerable whenever there is prolonged rainfall.
They stressed that without urgent intervention, future rains could lead to even greater destruction of lives and property.
The affected families have therefore appealed to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the Federal Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency (AKSEMA), humanitarian organizations, corporate bodies, and public-spirited individuals to provide emergency relief materials and financial assistance to victims.
They also called on the government to undertake a comprehensive drainage and erosion control project in the area to prevent a recurrence of the disaster.
According to them, constructing effective drainage channels and improving existing infrastructure would significantly reduce the impact of flooding during heavy rainfall.
“Our lives have been turned upside down. We have lost property worth millions of naira within a few hours.
“The flood entered our home, destroyed our belongings, broke our fence, and left us devastated.
“We urgently need help from the government and well-meaning Nigerians,” lamented one of the affected residents.
As residents continue to assess their losses, there are growing concerns about possible health risks arising from stagnant floodwaters, including the outbreak of waterborne diseases and increased mosquito breeding.
Community leaders have urged health authorities to monitor the situation and provide necessary medical support where required.
The flooding has once again highlighted the urgent need for sustainable urban planning, improved drainage systems, and proactive disaster management across Akwa Ibom State.
The Residents expressed hope that their plight would receive prompt attention before further rainfall worsens the already dire situation.
For many families in Ekperikpe Ekpo Avenue, the disaster represents not only the loss of property but also the loss of security and peace of mind.
They now look to the government, emergency agencies, and humanitarian organisations for swift intervention to help them rebuild their lives.
