Deluge sweeps through Edo, destroying burial sites

Flooding triggered by intense rainfall has caused widespread devastation in Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in Edo State, washing away graves, destroying at least 20 houses, and claiming the life of a motorcyclist.

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The heavy downpour that occurred over the past few days led to significant destruction in Igarra and surrounding villages, with multiple houses remaining submerged for days.

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Graves located within residential compounds, including one on Okpe Road near the Igarra Police Station, were swept away by the floodwaters, while the private residence of Taiwo Akerele, the former Chief of Staff to ex-governor Godwin Obaseki, was also affected.

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According to residents, this devastating flooding incident occurred exactly 10 years after a similar event that resulted in a loss of life and destruction of several houses.

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The areas most severely affected by the flood included the Iretutu axis, Pope Francis Road, Okpe Road, Market Road, and Rest House Road, all located in Igarra.

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A lone motorcyclist who was swept away by the flood was found dead two days later, with a resident named Aliyu confirming that the motorcyclist had died after being carried away by the floodwaters.

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Aliyu described the incident as unfortunate, stating that the motorcyclist's corpse was discovered two days after he was swept away by the flood.

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Councillor Asebe Rabi, who represents Ward 1 in the area, confirmed the incident on Saturday and described the flood as devastating, noting that many people had lost their property and means of livelihood.

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Alabi Oshionogue, the Chairman of the local government area, stated that necessary agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency, had been informed about the situation.

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Oshionogue expressed sympathy for the affected families and announced plans to alleviate the situation, while also working in collaboration with the SEMA to ensure that those affected by the flood receive assistance during this difficult period.

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Oshionogue 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.