Oluwafunbi Bello 
EBONYI, Nigeria – Farmers and traders in Ebonyi State have appealed for urgent government intervention after floods and windstorms destroyed farmlands, shops and commercial structures in several communities.
The disaster followed more than four hours of heavy rainfall on Saturday night, affecting communities in Afikpo North Local Government Area and parts of Abakaliki.
Floodwaters submerged extensive farmlands along the Abakaliki-Afikpo Expressway, destroying crops including yam, cassava, maize, rice and melon.
Farmer Cletus Idam said the disaster had wiped out months of labour and investment.
“We invested huge sums of money in our farms, but everything has been washed away. We may have to replant if the flood recedes,” he said.
Idam called on the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency to assess the damage and provide relief assistance.
Another farmer, Sunday Ewa, urged the government to support victims with seedlings, agrochemicals and other agricultural inputs.
According to him, communities including Afikpo, Amasiri and Akpoha remain vulnerable to annual flooding because of their geographical location.
Community leader Joseph Irem described the disaster as a threat to food production and local livelihoods.
“We are hopeful that both the Ebonyi State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency will come to the aid of victims and provide the necessary assistance,” he said.
Beyond the destruction of farms, strong winds damaged several shops and market stalls in Abakaliki.
At Kpiri-Kpiri Market, traders reported significant losses after rainwater destroyed goods and equipment.
Trader Chioma Ifeanyi said several business owners suffered heavy losses.
“The windstorm caused extensive damage, and many traders had their goods destroyed by rainwater,” she said.
“We appeal to the government to come to our aid because this business is our source of livelihood,” affected traders said.
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Mirian Gom 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
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