The Eligbolo community in Obio Akpor Local Council of Rivers State has been thrown into mourning following the drowning of two teenagers, Miracle Peter, 16, and Emma, 17.

Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred when the boys were swept away by strong currents while attempting to retrieve a pair of slippers that had slipped off one of their feet. Despite frantic rescue efforts, only one body was recovered on Sunday morning near the Eliozu Bridge.

The mother of one of the victims, Mrs Onyinyechi Peter, said her home had been submerged by the flood, forcing her to take refuge with a neighbour. She added that neighbours watched helplessly as the boys struggled against the water before being overpowered by the current.

Residents blamed the tragedy on an overflowing canal along G.U. Ake Road, which has caused persistent flooding in the area. They said the flooding has repeatedly affected homes and businesses, leaving many in distress.

A guesthouse manager, Mrs Augustina Ibayan, said that all rooms in her facility were flooded, resulting in significant losses. A community leader and former Deputy Leader of the Obio Akpor Legislative Council, Mr Kelvin Nwanwa, appealed to the Rivers State Government to dredge and reinforce the canal to prevent future disasters.

Nwanwa said the deaths highlighted the community’s long-standing call for a permanent solution to the perennial flooding that has continued to claim lives and property.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has paid a condolence visit to the families of the victims. He assured the families and the community that the Assembly would take concrete steps towards addressing the issue of flooding in the state. As a gesture of goodwill and support, the Speaker presented a N2 million cheque to the families.