From ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, Port Harcourt
Grief has enveloped Eligbolo community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, after two teenage brothers, Emma and Peters, drowned while trying to rescue a person trapped in a raging flood.
The tragedy, which occurred on Sunday following a downpour, has thrown the entire community into mourning and renewed concerns about the recurring menace of flooding in Port Harcourt and its suburbs.
Emma, 17, and Peters, 16, were said to have rushed out of their home after hearing cries for help from a neighbour caught in the flood near G.U. Ake Road.
The boys reportedly succeeded in saving the trapped victim but were swept away by the surging water on their way back.
According to residents, the incident happened within minutes, leaving the family and neighbours in shock.
“They had already helped the person to safety.
“But when one of the boys slippers fell into the water, they tried to retrieve it. The current was so strong that it dragged both of them away,” a witness said.
Their mother, Mrs Onyinyechi Peter could hardly hold back tears as she narrated the harrowing moment she realised her sons were gone.
“I came back home and asked where they were. One of my neighbours said someone had called them to help rescue a person trapped in the flood,” she said, her voice trembling.
She continued: “After they finished helping the person, my son’s slippers slipped off. People told him to leave it, but he tried to collect it with his brother. That was when the water carried both of them away. They were shouting for help but no one could reach them.”
Mrs Peter said the community initially thought the boys were playing in the flood until it was too late.
“Someone told me they saw them struggling in the water but did not realise they were drowning.
“Since then, I have not seen my children,” she added.
According to residents, the flood resulted from an overflowing canal that has repeatedly caused havoc in the area after heavy rainfall.
For years, the canal had been blamed for destroying properties, displacing residents and causing loss of lives.
A resident, who identified herself as Blessing, said the disaster could have been prevented if government had acted earlier.
“The canal has been overflowing for years. We have been crying for help. Yesterday, it destroyed homes and took the lives of those poor boys. It is heartbreaking,” Blessing cried.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that poor drainage and indiscriminate dumping of refuse are worsening the flood situation in parts of Rivers State.
Many believe that the tragedy in Eligbolo is a sad consequence of years of neglect and poor urban planning.
Community leaders are now calling for urgent intervention from the Rivers State government and the Ministry of Environment to prevent further loss of lives.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying investigation has commenced.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko described the incident as tragic and commiserated with the bereaved family.
