Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A devastating flood triggered by days of heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, washing away graves, destroying no fewer than 20 houses, and claiming the life of a commercial motorcyclist. The torrential downpour, which lasted for several days, submerged homes, destroyed property, and displaced families in Igarra and surrounding villages, leaving residents counting heavy losses. The flood also damaged the perimeter fence of the private residence of Taiwo Akerele, former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The floodwaters swept away graves located within residential compounds, including one along Okpe Road near the Igarra Police Station, exposing burial sites and causing immense distress to affected families. According to residents, the flood also completely submerged some houses for several days before the water receded. Residential, commercial, and religious buildings were all affected by the disaster. Areas worst hit by the flooding include Iretutu Axis, Pope Francis Road, Okpe Road, Market Road, and Rest House Road, all within Igarra.
A lone commercial motorcyclist, identified simply as Uche, was swept away by the raging floodwaters while travelling from Somorika to Igarra. His body was recovered two days later. A resident, Aliyu, expressed the tragedy, saying, "It was unfortunate that the motorcyclist was swept away by the flood and his corpse was discovered two days after". The devastating flooding occurred exactly 10 years after a similar incident that claimed a life and destroyed several houses in the community.
Confirming the incident, the councillor representing Ward 1, Asebe Rabi, described the flood as devastating, stating that many people had lost their homes, property, and means of livelihood. He called on the Edo State Government and relevant emergency agencies to urgently intervene and provide relief materials for victims. The Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Oshionogue, confirmed that the council had notified the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and was working closely with the agency to provide assistance to affected residents. He stated, "We have taken records and communicated with SEMA and are also following up on it. We sympathise with the affected families while making plans to ameliorate the situation before us as a government".
Oshionogue also directed the Head of Local Government Administration and the Head of Department of Environment and Works to carry out immediate intervention by clearing the drainages and removing the refuse and waste deposited by the flood across the affected areas. He added that the local government is collaborating with SEMA to ensure those affected by the flood are reached during this trying period.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments