Flood Sweeps Away Father Of Seven In Edo Community

A man identified as Augustine Ojo has died after floodwaters swept him away in an Edo State community affected by gully erosion.

Daily Post reported that Ojo, described as a father of seven, was swept away at Iguovbiobo community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area while returning home on a motorcycle.

Daily Trust reported the victim as 50 years old and said the incident happened in the Uguewebo community, Umudiode area. Both accounts linked the flood threat to erosion around ongoing road construction in the area.

Residents said the soil supporting a wooden bridge had been washed away, causing the bridge to collapse as Ojo tried to cross. Community members searched for him, but his body was recovered hours later.

A community youth leader appealed to the Edo State Government and relevant authorities to intervene, saying residents, including schoolchildren, still use makeshift crossings to reach homes, farms and schools.

Daily Post reported that the Edo State Emergency Management Agency said the incident had not yet been officially reported to the agency when contacted.

Sources: Daily Post, Daily Trust