Odahiekwu Ogunde, Yenagoa
A Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Francis Ighorurhie, aged 38, has drowned in a flood at Kaiama community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Also, two pupils drowned in a flood along the Good News area of Azikoro town in Yenagoa LGA of the state.
The two pupils of primary and nursery schools, were reportedly killed in the flood while coming home from school.
It was learnt that Fr. Ighorurhie, a missionary from Delta State, was until his death, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kaiama.
The cleric was said to have lost his life when he fell into the water on his way to his residence from a wooden bridge, popularly known as ‘monkey bridge’.
It was also gathered that a section of the wooden bridge had been submerged by the rising water making walking on the slippery structure a difficult task for users.
A priest, who spoke in confidence, said the death of Ighorurhie was sad and devastating.
The source said: “This is a sad moment for us. Father was on his way back from Bomadi in Delta State when he met his untimely death. But for the flood he could have driven his car straight to his residence, instead he parked same by the roadside.
“It was as he was walking on the wooden bridge part that had been submerged that he slipped and got drowned. Those staying at his residence had to raise the alarm when they saw his car by the roadside and he was nowhere to be found.
“They however became suspicious when they saw a bag containing some provision floating on the water not far from the bridge. Divers were contracted and his remains were recovered.”
The source added that his remains had been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, the state capital.
The Bayelsa State Government in a statement yesterday on the rising floods in the state sympathized with residents over the impact of the disaster, assuring residents that efforts were underway to mitigate its devastating effects on the people.
The state government, during its 8th Executive Council meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the government was aware of the difficulties being experienced by the people of the state as a result of the floods which had become a perennial problem.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Douye Diri, Senator Ewhrudjakpo also appealed to Bayelsans to be patient with the state government over the inconveniences being experienced as a result of the ongoing expansion of the Etegwe Roundabout.
He said the difficulties being experienced now was a necessary sacrifice, which the entire state would benefit from when the project is completed within the shortest possible time.