Eight people have been confirmed dead, and extensive farmlands destroyed, after a severe flood struck Enohia Itim community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
In a statement on Monday, the council’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Nkama, reported that the disaster—triggered by heavy rainfall—occurred at a plantain plantation in the community, claiming eight lives and impacting over 800 residents whose farms were devastated.
Nkama revealed that three of the victims’ bodies have been recovered, while five remain missing, adding that three children were among the deceased.
The flood, which hit on Friday, August 1, 2025, caused extensive damage to farmlands and property across the area.
The statement reads, “”Confirming the incident, the Councilor representing the good people of Itim Ward in Afikpo Legislative Council, Hon Francis Abani Okpani disclosed that out of the eight people who lost their lives to the flood, three bodies have been recovered while five are still missing and that three children were part of those who lost their lives.”
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Timothy A. U., who expressed sadness over the incident, extended condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
He assured of government support and pledged to collaborate with relevant state and federal agencies to provide humanitarian assistance and timely relief to those affected.
Recalling that the Federal Ministry of Environment had predicted Afikpo as one of the areas in Nigeria likely to experience flooding, the council chairman implored the people of Afikpo to incorporate climate change projections into flood risk management plans.
He also urged them to ensure that their drainage systems are effective and to keep their drains and waterways clear of debris to prevent blockages.