A 37-year-old trader identified as Ejiuwa has reportedly drowned in Ugwueke community, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, following heavy flooding in the area.
The incident occurred as floodwaters swept through the community, destroying houses, farmlands and livestock. Some buildings were reportedly submerged up to their rooftops.
Ejiuwa was said to have drowned while returning home from the market during the downpour.
A resident who confirmed the incident said the trader was declared missing after he failed to return home. Community members subsequently launched a search for him.
His body was later found and recovered from the floodwaters.
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The incident has reportedly left Ejiuwa’s pregnant grieving as the couple were expecting their first child.
Beyond the loss of life, the flooding has caused significant damage across the community, with about 700 residents reportedly displaced and left without adequate food or shelter.
One of the victims, Gideon Okorie, appealed to the Federal and Abia State governments to urgently assist affected residents.
“We are homeless, hungry and exposed to possible disease outbreaks,” he said.
Another resident, Promise Chijioke, said he received a call informing him that his father’s house had collapsed during the flooding.
As of the time of the report, the Abia State Ministry of Environment, Abia State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the disaster.
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