Tragedy struck Enohia Itim community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State when a devastating flood claimed at least eight lives and destroyed over 800 farmlands, following heavy rainfall over the weekend.
The Public Relations Officer of Afikpo Council, Mr. Sunday Nkama, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, describing it as “a havoc-wrecking flood” that swept through the area, leaving destruction in its wake.
“Out of the eight people who lost their lives to the flood, three bodies have been recovered, while five are still missing,” Nkama said. “Three children were among the victims.”
The flood, which was reportedly triggered by torrential rainfall, struck a plantain plantation in the community, submerging farmland and homes. Local sources said the disaster displaced several families, with survivors left counting their losses as crops and property were washed away.
Hon. Francis Abani Okpani, Councillor representing Itim Ward in the Afikpo Legislative Council, described the incident as “heartbreaking” and called for urgent intervention from authorities.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Afikpo Council, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and offered condolences to bereaved families.
“We will collaborate with relevant state and federal agencies to provide humanitarian assistance and timely relief to those affected,” Nwachi assured. “I urge our people to take climate change projections seriously and ensure drainage systems are effective to prevent future disasters.”
The council chairman recalled that the Federal Ministry of Environment had previously identified Afikpo as one of the Nigerian areas at high risk of flooding this year. He appealed to residents to clear drains and waterways of debris to avert similar catastrophes.
Flood-related disasters have been on the rise across Nigeria in recent years, with experts attributing the trend to climate change, poor urban planning, and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have repeatedly warned of intensified rainfall patterns that could lead to more widespread flooding in vulnerable states.
