A 37 year old trader identified simply as Ejiuwa has reportedly lost his life in a flooding incident in Ugwueke, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
The incident, which occurred following heavy rainfall, also reportedly destroyed houses, crops and livestock, with some buildings submerged up to rooftop level.
According to residents, Ejiuwa was returning to the village from the market when he was caught in the flood.
A village source said the trader was declared missing after he failed to arrive home following the downpour, prompting residents to begin a search for him.
His lifeless body was later reportedly discovered and recovered from the floodwaters.
The source further disclosed that the deceased’s wife is pregnant with their first child.
Beyond the loss of life, the flooding has reportedly displaced about 700 residents, leaving many people without shelter, food and other basic necessities.
One of the affected residents, Gideon Okorie, appealed to the Federal and Abia State Governments to urgently intervene and provide assistance to victims of the disaster.
“We are homeless, hungry and exposed to possible disease outbreaks,” Okorie said.
Another indigene, Promise Chijioke, said he received a distress call informing him that his father’s house had collapsed as a result of the flooding.
The widespread damage has reportedly left several families struggling to recover from the destruction of their homes, farms and sources of livelihood.
As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State Ministry of Environment, Abia State Emergency Management Agency (ASEMA) and other relevant government agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Residents are, however, calling for urgent intervention, including relief materials, temporary shelter and measures to address flooding risks in the affected community.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
