Flood Displaces Riverine Residents in Delta State, Communities Seek Emergency Shelters

Warri, Delta State — Rising floodwaters are forcing residents of several riverine communities in the Niger Delta to abandon their homes for safer neighbouring areas, amid calls for governments to establish accessible emergency shelters for displaced families.

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), raised the concern after a patrol operation across waterways in the region.

Foutoro said the patrol team observed rising floodwaters in communities along the Bomadi waterways and other parts of Bayelsa State, with some residents already relocating to areas less affected by the flooding.

He disclosed that Riverine Security personnel recently assisted residents of Akugbene and Ogbuyema communities in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, where rising waters had made living conditions increasingly unsafe.

The official said the organisation remained prepared, within the scope of its operations, to provide transportation and logistical support for legitimate humanitarian and emergency interventions involving government agencies, humanitarian organisations, private organisations and individuals.

The Commander General of Riverine Security, Commander Bibi Oduku, urged the Federal Government, relevant ministries and agencies, as well as state governments, to urgently provide accessible emergency locations and temporary shelters for people displaced by flooding.

Bibi also called for greater transparency in the distribution of relief materials, expressing concern that assistance provided during flood emergencies may not always reach the communities and residents most affected.

He urged humanitarian organisations and government agencies to work with credible community-based structures and local representatives who understand the difficult terrain of riverine communities.

“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,” he said.

The Riverine Security commander further appealed to governors and state governments to pay sustained attention to residents of remote riverine communities, stressing that their welfare should not be prioritised only during election periods.

He called for long-term measures, including functional evacuation plans, accessible emergency shelters, improved waterways emergency-response systems and transparent mechanisms for delivering relief directly to affected residents.

Also speaking, Captain Oprom ThankGod, Head of Operations covering Rivers to Cross River States, said personnel had assisted residents affected by flooding, including helping some families relocate to safer communities.

He said temporary relocation had become necessary in some locations pending further intervention by state and federal authorities.

Captain Oprom acknowledged ongoing efforts by the governments of Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states to address safety and security concerns in communities located around waterways.

In Lagos and the South-West, Captain Balogun Friday, Officer in Charge of Lagos and the South-Western States, said continued rising floodwaters could also force residents of waterfront and riverine communities to temporarily leave their homes.

He advised residents in flood-prone locations to remain vigilant and prepare for possible relocation where necessary.

Balogun said Riverine Security personnel had been directed to support humanitarian and safety operations in areas where residents face immediate risks from flooding and other emergencies.

He also highlighted the importance of coordination among security agencies, local communities and other stakeholders in addressing threats in waterways, including reported cases of illegal oil bunkering, piracy and other criminal activities.

NIHSA, Environmental Journalists Partner on Flood Alerts, Water Management in Nigeria

Riverine Security called for stronger coordination among federal and state authorities, emergency-response agencies, humanitarian organisations, security agencies, community leaders and private organisations to protect lives and ensure timely evacuation and delivery of relief.

The organisation also advised residents in flood-prone riverine communities to remain alert, follow safety guidance from relevant authorities and move to safer locations whenever rising floodwaters make their homes unsafe.