From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
A rainfall-induced landslide has claimed the lives of four siblings and one adult in Ikot Awatim Community, Ikot Ansa, Calabar Municipality, the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed.
The tragedy occurred over the weekend following persistent heavy rainfall that triggered flooding and a landslide in the community. The devastated mother of the children, Mercy Kingsley Edu, wept uncontrollably as she mourned the loss of four of her seven children.
“Why me? Four out of seven gone in one day. At least it could have been an accident that claimed their legs, not four children buried in one day,” she lamented.
The deceased children were identified as Bright, 18; Godswill, 12; Daniel, 11; and Richard, 10. The fifth victim was identified simply as Udo, believed to be a driver.
A grief-stricken Mercy added: “Where will I start? My husband never buys anything for himself because he wanted his children to go to school. Three boys and a girl… all gone.”
Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Efa Nyong, confirmed the deaths during a rapid assessment of the affected community.
He conveyed the condolences of the state government to the bereaved family and residents, while calling for a comprehensive geotechnical assessment of the terrain to determine long-term safety measures and prevent future disasters.
The latest tragedy is one of several disasters recorded in Calabar in recent days following persistent torrential rainfall, which has claimed lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira.
(The Sun)