Eight persons have reportedly died and over 800 farmlands have been destroyed following a devastating flood in Enohia Itim community, Afikpo Local Council of Ebonyi State.

The Public Relations Officer of the Council, Sunday Nkama, said in a statement yesterday that the tragedy occurred at a plantain plantation in Enohia.

Nkama disclosed that out of the eight victims, three bodies had been recovered while five remained missing. He confirmed that three children were among the dead in the incident, which happened on Friday, August 1, 2025.

According to him, the flood was caused by severe rainfall.

“A tragic flood incident at a plantain plantation in Enohia Itim, Afikpo Local Council of Ebonyi State, has claimed eight lives and affected over 800 people whose farmlands were destroyed.

“The incident which occurred on Friday, August 1, 2025, was due to a severe rainfall that led to a flood disaster, causing widespread destruction.

“Confirming the incident, the Councillor representing the people of Itim Ward in Afikpo Legislative Council, 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 three children were among those who lost their lives.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Afikpo Council, Nwachi Timothy, expressed sadness over the tragedy, extending condolences to the bereaved families and assuring them of government support.

He pledged to work with relevant state and federal agencies to provide humanitarian aid and timely relief to the victims.

Recalling that the Federal Ministry of Environment had identified Afikpo as one of the areas in Nigeria likely to experience flooding, the Council Chairman urged residents to incorporate climate change projections into flood risk management plans.

He also advised them to maintain effective drainage systems and keep drains and waterways clear of debris to help prevent future disasters.