Flood tragedy in Edo: Okada rider swept away in Ekpoma

Tragedy struck in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, after a commercial motorcycle rider was swept away by floodwaters during a heavy downpour.

The incident followed hours of torrential rainfall from Monday night into Tuesday, which left several parts of the state submerged.

In a viral video circulating online, the rider and his passenger were seen desperately struggling against the raging flood while still on the motorcycle. Unfortunately, the water current soon overpowered them, dragging the rider away.

Voices were heard saying the rider was carrying a female passenger before he was swept away.

Some passers-by tried to assist the victim while he was still struggling with the wave of the flood but he was finally swept away.

In another video, the number plate of the victim’s motorcycle was displayed by sympathizers who asked whoever knew him to come forward to identify him.

Following the incident, a resident of Ekpoma, who identified himself as Airemen Monday Ezekiel, called on the state government to declare state of emergency on flood control in the area.

According to him, the magnitude of the erosion has left residents helpless.

He said the persistent flooding and erosion challenges pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of our residents and road users.