A tragic flood disaster has claimed the life of a 30-year-old father of seven, Augustine Ojo, after he was swept away by floodwaters in Iguovbiobo Community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over worsening erosion and poor drainage infrastructure in the community, with residents blaming ongoing road construction works for increasing the flood risk.
Flood Disaster Turns Deadly
According to residents, Ojo was riding home on his motorcycle when he attempted to cross a temporary wooden bridge built over a deep erosion gully.
The makeshift bridge reportedly collapsed after heavy floodwaters washed away the soil supporting it, causing both the rider and his motorcycle to plunge into the fast-moving water.
Community members immediately launched rescue efforts, but the powerful current swept him away before he could be saved.
After an intensive search lasting about six hours, local youths and villagers eventually recovered his body.
The deceased is survived by his wife and seven children.
Residents Blame Road Construction for Worsening Flooding
Speaking on behalf of the community, youth leader Augustine Evbuomwan said residents believe the tragedy could have been prevented.
According to him, drainage channels constructed during the rehabilitation of the Benin–Auchi Road now direct large volumes of stormwater into Iguovbiobo Community, accelerating erosion and creating dangerous flooding whenever heavy rain falls.
He explained that the erosion has become so severe that it has effectively divided the community into two, forcing residents to rely on fragile wooden bridges to reach their homes, schools and farms.
Evbuomwan warned that the expanding gully now poses a serious threat to schoolchildren, farmers and other residents who cross it daily.
Community Alleges Repeated Appeals Were Ignored
Community leaders also alleged that several complaints had been made to the construction company handling the federal highway project, urging it to address the drainage problem before lives were lost.
However, they claimed no meaningful action was taken, adding that some residents were allegedly intimidated whenever they raised concerns about the worsening erosion.
Following Ojo’s death, the community is calling on the Edo State Government and relevant authorities to urgently intervene by constructing a permanent solution to the erosion and drainage challenges before another tragedy occurs.
Emergency Agency Yet to Receive Official Report
When contacted over the incident, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EDOSEMA), Jerry Idahosa, said the agency had not yet received an official report regarding the fatal flood incident.
Residents are now urging emergency authorities and government officials to visit the community, assess the growing erosion, and implement measures to protect lives and property before the next heavy rainfall.
