Heavy Downpour Washes Away Graves, Destroys 20 Houses In Edo Community

A heavy downpour has washed away graves of some persons buried within residential compounds and destroyed no fewer than 20 houses in Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, leaving residents counting heavy losses.

The flood, which also affected several surrounding communities, submerged homes, destroyed property and displaced families, barely a decade after a similar disaster claimed lives and wrecked several buildings in the area.

Among the tragic incidents recorded was the death of a commercial motorcyclist, identified simply as Uche, who was swept away by raging floodwaters while travelling from Somorika to Igarra. His body was recovered two days later.

Residents said the flood also washed away graves located within residential compounds, including one along Okpe Road near the Igarra Police Station, exposing burial sites and causing distress to affected families.

The torrential rainfall equally destroyed residential, commercial and religious buildings. The perimeter fence of the private residence of a former Chief of Staff to a former Edo State governor, Taiwo Akerele, was also damaged.

Areas worst hit by the flooding include Iretutu Axis, Pope Francis Road, Okpe Road, Market Road and Rest House Road, all within Igarra.

Confirming the incident, the Councillor representing Ward 1, Asebe Rabi, described the flooding as devastating, saying many residents had lost their homes, property and sources of livelihood.

He appealed to the Edo State Government and relevant emergency agencies to urgently intervene and provide relief materials for victims.

Also speaking, Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Oshionogue, said the council had notified the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and was working closely with the agency to provide assistance to affected residents.

According to him, the local government has documented the extent of the damage and is following up with SEMA to ensure prompt intervention.

He added: “We sympathise with the affected families and are making efforts to ameliorate the situation. We are collaborating with SEMA to ensure those affected receive the necessary support during this difficult period.

“I have also directed the Head of Local Government Administration and the Head of Department of Environment/Works to immediately clear blocked drainages by removing refuse and debris deposited by the flood across the affected communities.”