Days of heavy rainfall have caused widespread destruction in Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, leaving several homes submerged and claiming the life of a motorcycle rider.

The persistent downpour triggered severe flooding that reportedly inundated at least 20 houses in Igarra, with several other homes in neighbouring communities also affected. A motorcycle rider identified as Uche was swept away by the flood while travelling from Somorika to Igarra. His body was recovered two days later.

The flood damaged residential, commercial and religious buildings across the area. It also reportedly uprooted graves within residential compounds, while some houses remained completely submerged for several days.

The worst-hit areas include Iretutu Axis, Pope Francis Road, Okpe Road, Market Road and Rest House Road, where residents continue to count their losses.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Council, Alabi Oshionogue, said the council had notified the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and was working to provide relief for affected residents.

He added, “We have taken records and communicated SEMA and also doing a follow up on it. We sympathise with the affected families while making plans to ameliorate the situation before us as a government.

“We are working in collaboration with the SEMA to ensure those affected by the flood are reached in this trying period.

“I have directed the HOLGA, the HOD environment/works to carry out immediate assistance in clearing the drainages by removing the refuse and wastes the flood has deposited across areas affected.”

The councillor representing Ward 1, Asebe Rabi, described the incident as devastating, noting that many residents had lost valuable property and sources of livelihood. He appealed to relevant authorities to provide urgent assistance to victims of the disaster.