Grief has enveloped Enohia Itim, a quiet community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, after a devastating flood claimed five lives and left three others missing. The disaster, triggered by torrential rainfall on August 1, has also destroyed the livelihoods of more than 800 farmers, submerging vast stretches of farmland and wiping out plantain plantations.
Officials from the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), led by Executive Secretary Mr. Clement Ovuoba, visited the scene and confirmed the grim toll. Ovuoba described the tragedy as one of the worst the community has faced in years and expressed deep condolences to grieving families. He assured residents that he would report the incident directly to the state governor and federal agencies to secure urgent relief.
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Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as raging floodwaters swept through homes, carrying away residents, including children. Local rescuers in canoes braved the currents, managing to recover five bodies, but hopes are fading for the three still missing, two of them children.
Afikpo LGA Chairman, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, pledged government support for survivors and announced monthly stipends for the families of the deceased. He also distributed immediate relief materials, including bags of rice, to ease the suffering of victims. At the scene, Ubenyi Development Coordinator Mrs. Aisha Isamashi arrived with additional supplies such as rice, salt, and cooking essentials to support the affected households.
The disaster has reignited calls for better flood control measures in Ebonyi State. Community leaders stressed the urgent need for improved drainage systems and proactive disaster management strategies to prevent a repeat of this heart-wrenching incident.
As rescue efforts continue, Enohia Itim mourns and prays for the safe return of those still lost to the waters.
