Eight persons, including three children, have died following a flood disaster in Enohia Itim community, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The Public Relations Officer of Afikpo LGA, Mr. Sunday Nkama, confirmed the incident on Monday, stating that it occurred at a plantain plantation after several days of heavy rainfall.
He said the flooding destroyed more than 800 farmlands and displaced over 800 residents.
Nkama said three bodies have so far been recovered, while five others remain missing.
READ ALSO:Â Tips to Ensure Safety During Flash Floods in Nigeria
The Councillor representing Itim Ward, Hon. Francis Abani Okpani, said search and rescue efforts were ongoing to locate the missing persons.
Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Chief Timothy Nwachi, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said the council would work with state and federal agencies to provide relief materials to affected residents.
Nwachi noted that the Federal Ministry of Environment had previously identified Afikpo as flood-prone, and advised residents to keep drainage channels and waterways clear to reduce the risk of future disasters.