In a show of empathy, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Gift Worlu, has paid a condolence visit to the Eligbolo community, where a recent flash flood claimed lives and caused significant destruction.
Worlu on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, led a delegation to the affected area, offering prayers for the departed and words of comfort to grieving families.
He also inspected the canal where the floodwaters surged, highlighting the extent of the disaster.
Addressing residents during the visit, the chairman described the tragedy as both painful and preventable. He attributed the incident to poor drainage management and unregulated development across the local government.
“Unfortunately, since we took over, it has been one problem after another. But I am not afraid. I believe that together, we can tackle our problems and defeat them.
“This is the time for all of us to wear our thinking caps as a people. We must begin to plan our communities properly and understand that water will always find its level. When we build on waterways and block canals, the result is what we are seeing today.”
Worlu decried the widespread obstruction of flood channels and canals caused by indiscriminate building and uncontrolled urban expansion. He noted that such development has made it difficult for desilting equipment to access drainage paths.
“We have built houses so close to the canals that heavy equipment can no longer access them for cleaning. When the waterways are blocked, floodwater remains with us, leading to loss of lives and property. Prayer alone cannot solve this problem only planning, enforcement, and community cooperation.”
The Chairman called for stronger collaboration between community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth groups to support government efforts in enforcing environmental and building regulations.
“The community must take ownership of their environment. If the government says no building beyond a certain point, the people must help us enforce it. That is the only way we can prevent more disasters like this,” he stated.
He assured residents that the Council would scale up flood control initiatives, including the clearing of blocked drains and collaboration with relevant agencies to restore proper water flow.
Responding on behalf of the affected families, Mr. Peter Ekpo expressed deep gratitude for the chairman’s visit and commitment.
“On behalf of all the bereaved families, I sincerely thank our Chairman, Hon. Dr Gift Worlu, for leaving his busy schedule to be here despite the rain.
“Your visit has given us hope and comfort. It shows that you truly care about your people. We appreciate your promise to take action to prevent future occurrences. May God bless and strengthen you as you continue to lead with compassion.”
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Following his visit to Eligbolo, Worlu also inspected drainage systems near the Council Headquarters at Rumuodomaya and visited Rumuokoro Police Station to assess flood impact in those areas.
He described the recurring floods as a human-induced crisis rather than a natural one.
The chairman reiterated the council’s commitment to tackling the root causes of flooding through targeted interventions and urged residents to stop activities that degrade the environment, warning against provoking “nature’s rage.”
