Two teenage boys drowned in floodwaters on Sunday in the Eligbolo community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, after heavy rainfall. The victims, Miracle Peters and Emma Peters, aged 16 and 17, were siblings.
According to reports, the boys were helping a person trapped by the flood when the incident occurred. While returning, Emma’s footwear slipped off, and both were swept away by the strong current. Their mother, Onyinyechi Peters, recounted the tragedy to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday.
“I came back home and asked where they were. A neighbour said they had gone to help someone. They successfully assisted the person, but on their way back, my son’s slipper slipped, and the water carried them away,” she said, struggling to contain her emotions.
Residents blamed an overflowing canal along G.U Ake Road for the recurring floods in the area. A female resident called on the state government to intervene, saying the canal needs deepening to prevent further tragedies.
“I have been bailing water since morning. When the canal overflows, the water affects our homes. Two lives were lost yesterday. We need government assistance,” she said.
The floods also damaged property in the community. Augustina, the manager of a local guest house, said all rooms were affected, with equipment including speakers, a fridge, and a generator soaked. “I have never experienced this type of flood before. The government should act to improve the canal,” she added.
The Rivers State Police confirmed the incident. Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko expressed condolences to the family and said investigations are ongoing. “It is very pathetic. We condole with the family, and the police are investigating the matter,” she said.
This incident comes shortly after similar drownings in Kano State, where two children died while swimming in a stream, and a man was found dead in a well, highlighting ongoing flood and water-related hazards across Nigeria.
Authorities in Rivers State have yet to announce immediate relief or mitigation measures for the affected Eligbolo community. Residents continue to appeal for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life.
