Augustine Ojo, a 30-year-old father of seven, lost his life after being carried away by floodwaters in the Iguovbiobo community of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State. The incident occurred as Ojo attempted to traverse a temporary wooden bridge on his motorcycle.
Floodwaters had undermined the bridge’s structural integrity, causing it to collapse and pull Ojo into the turbulent currents. Community members were unable to save him, and his remains were retrieved six hours later following a search led by local youths.
Augustine Evbuomwan, a local youth leader, stated that the disaster was caused by stormwater diverted into the community by a firm working on the Benin–Auchi Road for the Federal Ministry of Works. The drainage system now directs excessive runoff through the settlement, causing deep erosion that has divided the area. Evbuomwan noted that residents have repeatedly sought help from the company, but their requests have been ignored or met with intimidation. He is calling on the Edo State Government to act immediately.
Jerry Idahosa, Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed that the office has not yet received an official report regarding the fatality.
