Flooding: Bayelsa begins closure of IDP camps

The Bayelsa government has commenced the closure of internally displaced persons camps (IDPs) in the state. 

While delivering a send-forth speech on Saturday, Koku-Obiyai Ebiuwou, commandant of the Ox-Bow lake IDP camp, said the victims of the 2022 flooding in the state are set to return to their homes.

He said about 12,000 persons were housed at the Ox-Bow Lake IDP camp.

The commandant said the Igbogene, Bayelsa palm, Ayama – Ijaw IDP camps in the state would be closed on Sunday.

Ebiuwou, who is also the chief whip of the Bayelsa house of assembly, commended Douye Diri, governor of the state, for providing assistance to the victims.

“I want to sincerely thank the governor for taking charge of the state. We have heard instances in other states where the flood was so much that the governor had to leave the state for the citizens to manage themselves,” Ebiuwou said.

“But this is a governor that stood by us, went from community to community and provided a shade. That is what we are thanking God for today and we thank him immensely on behalf of all the inmates.”

The 2022 flooding is said to be the worst in decades; over 600 deaths were recorded while millions of persons were displaced.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had earlier warned that the excess water released in Cameroon from the Lagdo dam would cause heavy flooding in 13 states.

The Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency (BYSEMA), had announced that no fewer than 1.3 million people in the state were affected by flooding.

According to data released by the agency, 96 deaths were recorded and about 1.2 million people were displaced in the state.