NB247
A raging flood has claimed the life of a commercial motorcycle rider whose Identity is yet to be ascertained in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident occured during a downpour which lasted from Monday night till Tuesday across various parts of the state.
In a viral video, the victim with his passenger were seen on his motorcycle struggling to navigate the flood which had taken over the road and was rushing in a heavy current.
He was seen trying to hold on to his motorbike, but the current was strong and he was eventually taken away.
Although some persons came rushing trying to rescue him, their efforts did not yield results as the flood has swept him away into the region of the water where others feared to enter.
Voices were heard saying the rider was carrying a female passenger before he was swept away.
In another video, the number plate of the victim’s motorcycle was displayed by sympathizers who asked whoever knew him to come forward to identify him.
When the waters eventually assigned, a lifeless body was retrieved at the end of the drainage and many residents confirmed it was the biker who was washed away by the flood.
Following the incident, a resident of Ekpoma, who identified himself as Airemen Monday Ezekiel, called on the state government to declare state of emergency on flood control in the area.
According to him, the magnitude of the erosion has left residents helpless
He said the persistent flooding and erosion challenges pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of our residents and road users.