A 12-year-old student of Federal Government College, Ohafia, Abia State, Sopuruchi Ume Ibe, has died after she was swept away by floodwaters during a heavy downpour in Ebem Ohafia.
Sopuruchi, a Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS2) student from Ndia Chukpai Compound, Mgbaga, Ebem Ohafia, reportedly went missing at about 6 p.m. on Friday after she was caught in rushing floodwaters along Eni Njoku Road.
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Community Rallies To Find Missing 12 Year Old
Residents reportedly began searching for the student shortly after she was swept away, but the initial search did not locate her.
Her body was found on Saturday morning, bringing a tragic end to the search and leaving her family, classmates, friends and residents of Ebem Ohafia mourning.
The incident occurred after heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of the community, raising fresh concerns about the risks faced by residents during periods of intense rain.
Community Union Mourns Student
Ifeanyi Okali, Publicity Secretary of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU), confirmed the incident and described the death as tragic.
“Sadly, 12-year-old Sopuruchi Ume Ibe, who was swept away by floodwaters following a heavy downpour in Ebem Ohafia yesterday evening, has been found this morning, but unfortunately, she did not survive,” Ifeanyi Okali Okali said.
He expressed condolences to the girl’s family and the wider community.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to her parents, family, friends, classmates and the entire Ebem Ohafia community during this painful time,” he added.
Fresh Concerns Over Flooding
The death has renewed concerns about the impact of flooding on communities in Abia State, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Flooding can become especially dangerous when drainage channels are overwhelmed, roads are submerged and fast-moving water makes it difficult for pedestrians and motorists to assess the depth or strength of the current.
The incident also comes shortly after another flood related death was reported in Ugwueke community, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
A 37-year-old trader, identified as Mr Ejiuwa, was reportedly killed by floodwaters while returning from the market.
The two incidents have heightened concerns over flood safety in vulnerable communities across the state as the rainy season continues.
Residents are generally advised to avoid walking or driving through fast-moving floodwaters and to move to safer, elevated areas when flooding begins.
