IBADAN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has called for support for victims of the devastating flood that has killed hundreds and destroyed several property in many states across the country.
The ex-President expressed this in a statement posted to his verified Facebook page late Thursday.
The devastating flood in Bayelsa State hit the Otuoke community in Ogbia Local Government area of the state, causing homes, churches and farm lands to be submerged.
Over 80 per cent of the community had been covered by the flood including the home of the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
Also affected are the permanent campus of the Federal University, Otuoke, the Anglican Church attended by the former First Family, the community’s health centre and the Federal Medical Centre used by the medical students of the institution.
Jonathan, who visited some affected communities in Bayelsa State, including his Otuoke hometown, said it was “a depressing situation in many of the affected communities because of the magnitude of the flood and the disruption and destruction it has caused.”
The statement read: “I sympathise with the victims of this year’s flood across many states of the federation who have lost loved ones and properties worth millions. The worsening humanitarian crisis in the affected states calls for urgent action and collaboration by all stakeholders.
“I am touched by the dire situation in some of the affected states, especially my home State Bayelsa where almost all the local government areas are submerged in water and the East-West Road section leading to the State has become impassable, creating scarcity of food and essential commodities.
“Today, I visited Otuoke, my community and a few other communities in Bayelsa State to have an assessment of the impact of the flood. It is still a depressing situation in many of the affected communities because of the magnitude of the flood and the disruption and destruction it has caused.
“This is a moment of crisis; we need to work in unity to achieve the goal of giving hope and providing succour to all victims.
“I urged all citizens of goodwill and humanitarian agencies to demonstrate solidarity with these victims and provide support to those affected.”