FEATURED
BREAKING: One Dead, Over 20 Homes Destroyed as Flood Devastates Edo Communities
A devastating flood triggered by days of heavy rainfall has claimed one life and destroyed more than 20 houses in Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, leaving scores of residents displaced and counting their losses.
The victim, identified simply as Uche, was reportedly riding a motorcycle from Somorika to Igarra when he was swept away by raging floodwaters. His body was recovered two days after the incident.
The flooding also wreaked havoc on several surrounding communities, damaging residential, commercial and religious buildings. In addition to homes, graves located within residential compounds, including one along Okpe Road near the Igarra Police Station, were washed away, while some houses remained submerged for several days.
Among the affected properties was the perimeter fence of the private residence of former Edo State Chief of Staff, Taiwo Akerele.
Communities hardest hit by the disaster include the Iretutu axis, Pope Francis Road, Okpe Road, Market Road and Rest House Road, all within Igarra.
Residents said the latest disaster mirrors a similar flood that struck the area a decade ago, causing widespread destruction.
Confirming the incident on Saturday, the councillor representing Ward 1, Asebe Rabi, described the flooding as devastating, noting that many residents had lost their homes, belongings and sources of livelihood.
He appealed to the relevant authorities to urgently provide relief and support for affected families.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Oshionogue, said the council had notified the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and was working closely with the agency to provide assistance.
”We have documented the extent of the damage, informed SEMA and are following up on the response. We sympathise with the affected families and are taking steps to ease the hardship caused by the disaster,” he said.
Vangurd report that Oshionogue further added that he had directed the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) and the Head of Department for Environment and Works to immediately clear blocked drainage channels by removing debris and waste deposited by the floodwaters in affected areas.
Authorities are expected to continue damage assessments as efforts intensify to support victims and reduce the impact of the flooding.