Flooding caused 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 more than 20 houses and leaving a motorcyclist dead.
The Punch reported that the persistent downpour triggered severe flooding across Igarra and neighbouring communities, submerging several homes for days and causing extensive damage.
Among the affected sites were graves located within residential compounds, including one along Okpe Road near the Igarra Police Station, which was reportedly washed away by the floodwaters.
The residence of former Chief of Staff to ex-Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Taiwo Akerele, was also impacted.
Residents said the incident occurred exactly a decade after a similar flood disaster in the community that claimed a life and destroyed several properties.
Findings by our correspondent showed that the worst-hit areas included the Iretutu axis, Pope Francis Road, Okpe Road, Market Road and Rest House Road, all within Igarra.
A motorcyclist who was reportedly swept away by the flood was later found dead two days after the incident.
A resident, identified simply as Aliyu, said there was little hope of survival after the victim was carried away by the flood.
“It was unfortunate that the motorcyclist was swept away by the flood and his corpse was discovered two days after,” he said.
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, property and means of livelihood.
The Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Oshionogue, said relevant agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency, had been notified of the disaster.
“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.
“We are working in collaboration with the SEMA to ensure those affected by the flood are reached in this trying period.
“I have directed the HOLGA and the HOD, Environment/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 said.
