One person has died, and more than 20 houses have been destroyed following heavy flooding that swept through Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, and surrounding communities.
The victim, a commercial motorcyclist identified simply as Uche, was reportedly swept away by floodwaters while travelling from Somorika to Igarra. His body was recovered two days later.
The flood also washed away graves in some residential compounds, including one along Okpe Road near the Igarra Police Station, while several homes remained submerged for days.
Residential, commercial, and religious buildings were affected, including the fence of the private residence of Taiwo Akerele, a former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Edo State.
The latest incident comes 10 years after a similar flood claimed a life and destroyed several houses in the area.
The worst-hit locations include Iretutu, Pope Francis Road, Okpe Road, Market Road and Rest House Road, all in Igarra.
Confirming the incident, the councillor representing Ward 1, Asebe Rabi, described the flood as devastating, saying many residents had lost their homes, property and means of livelihood. He appealed to the government and relevant agencies to provide relief for affected families.
Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Oshionogue, said the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had been notified.
“We have documented the damage and informed SEMA. We sympathise with the affected families and are working to ease their suffering,” he said.
Oshionogue added that the council had directed its environment and works department to clear blocked drainage channels and remove debris deposited by the flood while awaiting further intervention from SEMA.
