Tragedy struck in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Tuesday after torrential rainfall triggered flooding that swept away a commercial motorcyclist and a student.
The downpour, which began on Monday night and lasted into Tuesday morning, left parts of the town submerged. Eyewitness footage widely circulated on social media captured the motorcyclist struggling to navigate through rising floodwaters along Uwenlenbo Road near Zekor Hotel before being carried away by the fierce current.
According to witnesses, the rider had a female passenger onboard, who managed to jump off the motorcycle just moments before the water pulled it under. In the video, passers-by could be seen making frantic attempts to assist the victim, but their efforts were overwhelmed by the force of the flood.
Local youths later launched a search and reportedly rescued the motorcyclist, though his condition remains unclear. Sympathisers at the scene displayed the motorcycle’s number plate — Delta AGB 130 WL — in a separate video, urging anyone who recognised it to come forward.
The second victim, a school student, was said to have been quickly rescued by residents, escaping what could have been another fatality.
The incident has intensified calls for urgent government intervention, as erosion and flooding continue to endanger lives and property in Edo communities. Residents are demanding immediate drainage works and erosion-control projects to prevent further disasters.
