By CHARLES IWUOHA

No fewer than 12 people has been confirmed dead and over 800 farm lands were submerged with flood that wreaked havoc at a plantain plantation in Enohia Itim, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area of the State, Engr. Timothy Nwachi, who confirmed the incident, consoled the families of the diseased and assured that the local government will do everything humanly possible to prevent a reoccurrence.

He urged the people who are still residing in flood-prone areas to vacate from the place to a safer ground, adding that the constant rain is capable of causing flood in the area as warned by the relevant authorities.

“We express sadness over the unfortunate incident and we are using this medium to extend our condolences to the families that lost their loved ones. As a government, we will support and pledged to collaborate with relevant State and Federal agencies to provide humanitarian assistance and timely relief to those affect,” Nwachi said.

Also confirming the incident which occurred on Friday, August 1, 2025, the Councillor representing Itim Ward in Afikpo Legislative Council, Hon Francis Abani Okpani, disclosed that out of the 12 people who lost their lives to the flood, three bodies have been recovered while nine are still missing.

He further confirmed that three children were part of those who lost their lives.

“The Federal Ministry of Environment had predicted that Afikpo is one of the areas in Nigeria likely to experience flooding. I had earlier implored the people of Afikpo to incorporate climate change projections into flood risk management plans,” Okpani said.

He also urged the people to ensure effective drainage systems and to keep their drains and waterways clear of debris to prevent blockages.