A tragic flash flood has struck Enohia Itim Community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, leaving at least eight people dead and five others still missing.

According to the Council’s Public Relations Officer, Sunday Nkama, the disaster occurred at a plantain plantation after days of relentless rainfall. The flooding destroyed over 800 farmlands and affected more than 800 residents in the community.

Of the eight recorded fatalities, three bodies have so far been recovered, while search and rescue teams continue efforts to find the remaining five victims. Heartbreakingly, three of the deceased were children.

The Councillor representing Itim Ward, Francis Abani Okpani, confirmed ongoing rescue operations, saying that local teams are working tirelessly despite the challenging conditions.

Afikpo LGA Chairman, Chief Timothy Nwachi, expressed his condolences to the grieving families and pledged support. He said the council will partner with state and federal agencies to deliver humanitarian aid and relief materials to those affected.

This incident serves as another reminder of the devastating impact of extreme weather on rural communities — and the urgent need for preventive measures to protect lives and livelihoods.