A devastating flood triggered by days of heavy rainfall has washed away graves, destroyed more than 20 houses and claimed the life of a motorcyclist in Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The downpour, which lasted for several days, submerged homes and caused extensive damage across Igarra and neighbouring communities, leaving many residents counting their losses.
Among the affected properties were graves located within residential compounds, including one along Okpe Road near the Igarra Police Station. The residence of a former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, Taiwo Akerele, was also reportedly impacted by the flooding.
Residents said the latest disaster occurred exactly a decade after a similar flood wreaked havoc in the community, destroying houses and resulting in the loss of a life.
Areas said to have suffered the worst impact include the Iretutu axis, Pope Francis Road, Okpe Road, Market Road and Rest House Road, all within Igarra.
A motorcyclist who was swept away by the raging floodwaters was found dead two days after the incident.
One of the residents, identified simply as Aliyu, described the incident as tragic, saying the victim could not survive after being carried away by the flood.
"It was unfortunate that the motorcyclist was swept away by the flood, and his body was recovered two days later," he said.
The councillor representing Ward 1 in the local government, Asebe Rabi, also confirmed the incident, describing the flooding as devastating. He noted that many residents had lost homes, valuables and means of livelihood.
Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Oshionogue, said the Edo State Emergency Management Agency had been notified of the disaster.
He disclosed that the council had documented the extent of the damage and was working with the emergency agency to provide relief for affected residents.
Oshionogue added that he had directed the Head of Local Government Administration and the Head of the Environment/Works Department to immediately clear blocked drainage channels and remove debris deposited by the flood to prevent further damage.
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