Tragedy as flood sweeps away commercial motorcyclist in Edo

Tragedy struck in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, as a commercial motorcycle rider was swept away by floodwaters following a heavy downpour.

The incident occurred after continuous rainfall from Monday night into Tuesday, which left several parts of the state heavily flooded.

In a viral video making the rounds online, the rider and his passenger were seen struggling against the raging flood while on the motorcycle. Sadly, the flood eventually overpowered them, sweeping the rider away.

Voices were heard saying the rider was carrying a female passenger before he was swept away.

Some passers-by tried to assist the victim while he was still struggling with the wave of the flood but he was finally 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.

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.