A tragic flood incident in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, has reignited concerns over erosion and inadequate drainage infrastructure following torrential rains that battered the region from Monday night into Tuesday morning.
The downpour led to a powerful surge of floodwaters along Uwenlenbo Road, near Zekor Hotel, where a commercial motorcyclist and his female passenger were caught in the deluge.
A widely circulated video on social media captured the harrowing moment the rider struggled to navigate the rising waters before being swept away.
Eyewitnesses reported that the female passenger managed to leap off the motorcycle just in time, narrowly escaping the flood’s grip. The motorcyclist, however, was carried away by the current despite efforts by bystanders to rescue him.
In a follow-up video, sympathizers displayed the motorcycle’s license plate—Delta AGB 130 WL—urging anyone who recognized it to come forward.
Fortunately, local youths launched a search and were able to rescue the rider, while the student passenger was also safely recovered by residents in the area.
The incident has sparked widespread alarm and calls for immediate intervention from both state and federal authorities.
Community members and observers have pointed to erosion and poor flood management as recurring threats to lives and property in Ekpoma and other parts of Edo State.
The lack of adequate drainage systems has left many roads vulnerable during heavy rainfall, turning routine commutes into life-threatening journeys.
As the rainy season intensifies, residents are urging government agencies to prioritize erosion control, improve urban planning, and implement sustainable flood mitigation strategies. The Ekpoma tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent future disasters.