Tragedy struck in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State as the Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Gulu, Reverend Father James Omeh, and a woman identified as Charity John lost their lives in a devastating flood.
Grassroots Parrot reports that Rev. Fr. Omeh, who also served as the Coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lapai LGA, was reportedly traveling along the Lapai-Gulu Road around noon on Sunday when the incident occurred.
According to eyewitnesses, after discovering that the bridge near Duma village had collapsed due to a heavy downpour, he attempted to turn back. However, the torrential rain led to rapidly rising floodwaters that swept away his white Toyota Hilux.
“He was caught in the flood and washed into a deep, water-filled ditch. With the help of the Sarkin Ruwa and local volunteers, the vehicle was eventually recovered, along with the lifeless bodies of Rev. Fr. Omeh and a woman,” a local source recounted.
The poor condition of the Lapai-Gulu Road, a major route connecting Niger and Kogi States, has been a source of concern among residents. They continue to call for urgent government intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
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Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident, stating that the victims’ bodies were recovered and handed over to the church for burial.
“On 25th May 2025, at about 1 p.m., we received information that Rev. Fr. James Omeh and one Charity John were heading to Gulu village when their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. Police operatives, in collaboration with community members, recovered the bodies and the vehicle,” Abiodun said.
The incident highlights growing concerns over climate-related disasters and inadequate infrastructure in rural parts of Nigeria.