Ewohimi: Abandoned to The Mercy of Nature’s Anger

By Ernest Omoarelojie

Ewohimi, one of the major towns in Esanland, Edo central senatorial district, is in the eye of nature’s fury. For so long, its public infrastructure, internal roads in particular, were left unattended by successive state and local government authorities, leaving the communities at the mercy of nature's fury. At the moment, the people are wondering if there is an unknown sin they have committed to be so abandoned.

In addition to a malfunctioning power system that left the entire town in perennial darkness, the people have no access to clean water despite the presence of a water project that once served several adjoining towns. Albeit, the latest affliction that confronts the town is that Uzebu, a part of the largely agrarian town, is no longer accessible from any part of the mainland except by foot paths.

How Ewohimi became so forgotten despite it's contribution to Edo state and Esan South East local governments development is the concern that unsettles everyone in the town. That both state and local authorities no longer care about the existential threats they face is another issue they are yet to comprehend.

Before the Uzebu community was severed from Ewohimi mainland, it was accessed via two roads. Separated by an intersection at the Ofuri market square, one of the roads leads from the market, through Idinrhio, onward Ukpo-Owala Udo, while the other passes through Idumu Agho and Idumu Oboh, with both connecting again at the entrance of the now isolated community. Even at the point of intersection near the entrance of the community, an age-long infernal struggle raged between the people and ravaging erosion. While the former struggle to rein in the excesses of the deluge, the latter continued to make nonsense of whatever efforts the people put in place.

Before the latest mishap, the community was accessible only through the Idinrhio-Ukpowala route. The Idumu-Agho route became impassable for all commuters except those on foot. In the light of the difficult challenge, representations were made to relevant state and local government authorities.

Among others, Ewohimi made representations to the state governor, Monday Okpebholo; the senator representing Edo Central senatorial district, Joe Ikpea; the law maker representing Esan South East and Esan North East local government areas at the House of Representatives, Odianosen Okojie, and the law maker representing the people at the Edo state House of Assembly, Sunny Ikpenomhen Ojiezele.

In addition, both the immediate past and current chairmen of the council were also notified. Sadly, it is on record that none of them has responded to the people's plight even though houses have been swept away by erosion, with more on the verge of the same catastrophe.

The current situation in Ewohimi is not one that requires long stories. Grotesque images emerging from the scenes tell the story better. In the last incident for instance, a commercial motor bike rider almost paid the supreme price while trying to find his way to Uzebu from Idinrhio. But for his gallant efforts, he would have been swept into the watery abyss alongside his motorbike that has never been seen since then. 

The plight of residents in the affected community is better imagined than put in words here. In addition to being sequestered in their different homes, unable to visit friends and extended family members in neighbouring communities, they are also no longer able to take their farm products to the markets. Children from the community are finding it increasingly difficult to go to school particularly when it rains. Risking it increases their chances of being swept away.

Certainly, the people cannot feel any less helpless if, as it is, their cries to relevant authorities appear to have fallen on non-listening ears. In any case, this is another appeal to relevant state and local authorities to come to the aid of Uzebu community in particular, and Ewohimi in general.