By Ado Oyeyemi
A 12-year-old student, Sopuruchi Ume Ibe, has drowned after she was swept away by floodwaters in the Ebem Ohafia community of Abia State.
Sopuruchi, a Junior Secondary School 2 student of Federal Government College, Ohafia, was reportedly caught in the flood following a heavy downpour on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The incident occurred at about 6pm along Eni Njoku Road, Ebem Ohafia, according to reports.
After the girl was swept away, members of the community launched a search for her but were unable to locate her that evening.
Her lifeless body was eventually found on Saturday morning, throwing the community into mourning.
Confirming the incident, the Publicity Secretary of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, Ifeanyi Okali, described the death as painful and unfortunate.
Okali said, “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.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to her parents, family, friends, classmates and the entire Ebem Ohafia community during this painful time.”
READ ALSO
- EPL: Arsenal rally to beat Leeds United in thrilling Emirates comeback
- 2028 Olympics Qualifiers: Eguavoen applauds Super Falcons’ victory over Comoros
- Fear as kidnappers abduct teacher, two others in community
- Freed NYSC abductees offered South-West postings after N6m ransom
- Four arrested as farmer-herder clash claims life
The incident came days after a 37-year-old trader, identified simply as Ejiuwa, reportedly lost his life in a flood-related incident in Ugwueke community, Bende Local Government Area of the state, while returning from the market.
