PRESS STATEMENT
UYO FLOOD: CHRAN MOURNS VICTIMS, DEMANDS URGENT GOVERNMENT ACTION, SEEKS COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP AND LONG-TERM FLOOD CONTROL MEASURES*
The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) expresses profound grief over the devastating flood that recently ravaged Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom State, resulting in the reported tragic loss of lives, the destruction of homes and businesses, the displacement of families, and untold hardship for thousands of residents which occurred on Wednesday, 8th July, 2026 and spillover on Thursday, 9th July, 2026.
CHRAN extends heartfelt condolences to the families of those who reportedly lost their loved ones and stand in solidarity with every individual and community affected by this unfortunate disaster. Our thoughts are also with those who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and valuable possessions to the floodwaters.
While we recognise that heavy rainfall is a natural phenomenon, the magnitude of the destruction witnessed in Uyo and its environ raises serious concerns about the level of preparedness of relevant agencies of Government of Akwa Ibom State and the effectiveness of existing flood prevention and management strategies.
CHRAN recalls that the Federal Government, through its relevant agencies, had issued early warnings predicting flooding in several states, including Akwa Ibom. These forecasts were intended to provide sufficient time for state governments to implement preventive measures such as desilting drainage channels, clearing blocked waterways, strengthening emergency response mechanisms, identifying vulnerable communities, and putting contingency plans in place before the rains intensified.
Against this backdrop, CHRAN is constrained to ask: What proactive measures did the Government of Akwa Ibom State take to mitigate the impact of the predicted floods? Were the relevant ministries, departments and agencies adequately mobilised? Were drainage systems disilted in good time? Were flood-prone communities properly sensitised and protected? These are questions that deserve clear and transparent answers.
Beyond the physical devastation, CHRAN is deeply disturbed by what appears to be a lack of visible gubernatorial leadership and empathy in the aftermath of this disaster.
As at the time of issuing this statement, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State has not personally visited any of the affected communities or reported bereaved families to identify with them and offer words of comfort. While government institutions have their respective responsibilities, moments of tragedy demand visible executive and compassionate leadership. CHRAN notes that the physical presence of a governor at the scene of any disaster reassures victims that they have not been abandoned and this demonstrates that government genuinely shares in their pain.
CHRAN had also expected the Governor to address the people of Akwa Ibom State through a state-wide broadcast immediately after the disaster became apparent.
Unfortunately, government did not consider that as a neccesity. Instead, they merely issued a Press Statement hours after the flooding had wreaked havoc across the state from the early hours of the day. In a disaster of this magnitude, such a response was neither timely nor sufficient. Crisis communication is not merely about issuing a Press Release; it is about demonstrating empathy, inspiring public confidence, calming anxieties, and assuring citizens that their government is fully engaged in addressing their plight.
The recurring flooding in Uyo and its environ has unfortunately become an annual tragedy. It is unacceptable that residents continue to suffer avoidable losses year after year despite repeated experiences and advances in weather forecasting. Government must move beyond reactive interventions and commit itself to lasting and sustainable solutions.
CHRAN therefore calls on the Government of Akwa Ibom State to take immediate and practical steps to address the current situation by:
i. Providing immediate relief materials, including food, clean water, temporary shelter, medical assistance, and other essential supplies to affected families.
ii. Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the extent of the damage with a view to ensuring that victims receive fair, adequate, and timely compensation for their losses.
iii. Mobilising emergency response agencies to evacuate persons still trapped in flooded areas and prevent further loss of life.
iv. Immediately clearing blocked drainage systems and natural waterways while removing all structures and obstructions that impede the free flow of water, in accordance with the law.
v. Commissioning an Independent Technical Assessment Committee of Uyo Drainage Infrastructure with a view to identifying structural deficiencies and recommend comprehensive engineering solutions capable of addressing the city’s growing flood challenges.
vi. Developing and implementing a long-term, climate-resilient flood management strategy that incorporates improved urban planning, effective drainage infrastructure, regular maintenance, environmental protection, and strict enforcement of planning regulations.
CHRAN also calls on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, to personally visit affected communities and families. Such a visit would not only demonstrate compassion but also afford him the opportunity to assess the situation firsthand, interact directly with victims, and reassure them of government’s unwavering commitment to their welfare.
We equally urge residents to refrain from indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drains and waterways, as such practices contribute significantly to urban flooding. Environmental responsibility remains a shared obligation between government and its citizens.
CHRAN urges the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency (AKSEMA), Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, humanitarian organisations, corporate bodies, faith-based institutions and well-meaning Nigerians to support relief efforts and assist affected individuals and communities during this difficult period.
The Center notes that the protection of life and property remains one of the foremost constitutional responsibilities of government. Every preventable disaster that claims lives or destroys livelihoods should provoke a renewed commitment to preparedness, accountability and responsive governance.
CHRAN remains committed to advocating for policies and actions that protect the rights, dignity, and welfare of all citizens.
The Center shall continue to monitor the government’s response to this disaster and engage constructively to ensure that the lessons from this unfortunate incident translate into meaningful reforms that will safeguard lives and property.
Signed
Otuekong Franklyn Isong
(Director)
Comrade Etimbuk Ekpenyong
(Secretary, Research & Documentation)
Dated: Sunday, 12th July, 2026.