Resettlement Of Victims Is Not An Easy Task - Fr. Oghiator ... As Fr. Okhifo Solicits For More Assistance for victims

As the flood that hit over seven communities in Etsako East and Etsako Central Local Government Areas of Edo State is gradually receding, the parish Administrator of Assumption parish, Udaba, Rev. Fr. Godswill Oghiator, has reiterated that resettlement of victims after the flood is not an easy task, stressing that the flood has destroyed property worth millions of Naira including farmlands.

He disclosed this to THE PROMISE NEWSPAPER crew at the parish house in Udaba, when the team of journalists visited the area.

Continuing, Fr. Oghiator who appreciated God for protecting the lives of all the people in Udaba community during the flood, said that he has not experienced the magnitude of flood since 2009 when he was posted to the area, adding that the proportion that the flood assumed this year was quite alarming.

Further, Fr. Oghiator who described his experience as a miracle, added that during the flood he was always coming to the church in canoe to celebrate mass for his parishioners and expressed joy that throughout the trying period, his parishioners were always coming to mass in canoes as well and described them as a people of great faith.

Commenting on the re-building exercise in the area, he stressed that Udaba is their home, they have to return and continue with their lives, hence when there is life there is hope. While commending faithful of Udaba parish for not losing faith in God, pointing out that
the flood had washed away their crops and destroyed houses which would make things difficult for the community, though Fr. Oghiator however, and expressed hope that all would be well with the help of kind hearted Nigerians.

Further, Fr. Oghiator, commended Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi Most Rev. Dr. G. G. Dunia and faithful of the diocese for their prompt response, government and other NGO, for their support and solicited for more assistance particularly in the area of health and nutrition.

Commending the priest for his presence in the community during the flood, the Ayonekhe of Udaba-Ekperi clan, chief David Inetape and the chief Imam of Udaba and chairman in charge of distribution of relief materials in Udaba, Alhaji Zekeri Kadiri described Fr. Oghiator as a true shepherd of flock of Christ. They appreciated him for the love he has and showed to the people of Udaba, noted that his presence served as a source of courage and hope for the people during their trying period and prayed God to bless him accordingly.

The duo who also described the level of damages done by the flood in their community as alarming appreciated the diocese of Auchi, Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhele, the federal government and other individuals and groups for their support, called for more support for the community to enable them have a fruitful Christmas celebration.

In a similar vain, the Rector of St. Joseph mass centre, Anegbette, Rev. Fr. Innocent Okhifoh who was also affected by the flood, has called for more support and assistance for flood victims to a meliorate their plights, stressing that no part of the rectory was spared and the building will need to undergo a complete renovation and furnishing to enable him resettle.

Fr. Okhifo who hinted that though some parts of Anegbette were not submerged, he stressed that their farmlands and property worth millions of Naira were washed away, pointing out that resettlement is not easy for them, as they start a new life. He further informed THE PROMISE crew that he had to relocate to Auchi during the flood, as there was no place for him to stay and asserted that the experience was pathetic.

He affirmed that the flood had adversely affected church activities for the year, especially the just concluded children's/youths harvest and hoped that the up coming adult harvest will be better, pointing that total trust and hope in God is the only way to surviving the trying times.

While imploring public spirited Nigerians to assist the community in their rebuilding process, Rev. Fr. Okhifo appreciated the Bishop and parishioners of Auchi diocese for their support so far, Mrs. Helen Okegwale of St. Pauls Benin as well as the state and federal governments, NGO's for their tireless efforts.