Two of the victims of Saturday flood in Karshi, Federal capital Territory, have been recovered, the Chief of Karshi, Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed, has said.
Giving update on the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Mohammed said the community was disturbed by the incident and called on the FCT Administration to expand the bridge leading to the town to prevent a recurrence.
He said that the traditional council and relevant government agencies would intensify sensitisation of communities living in flood prone areas.
“In the meantime, only two bodies have been recovered from the scene of the incident, but we are still searching for more missing persons.
“While we pray that God prevent a repeat of the incident, we must also put precautionary measures in place, to prevent a recurrence.
”There is an arrangement now to close the road whenever it rains, to avert a repeat of the incident,” the chief said.
Mr Lawrence Onuchukwu, the Vice Chairman Abuja Municipal Area Council, described the incident as unfortunate and said the local council had dispatched its emergency response team to assess the situation for immediate intervention.
He urged residents of the area to avoid flood prone areas, adding that the emergency committee would work with the youth to sensitise various communities on the dangers of living in such areas.
The flood occurred following a heavy downpour that swept away the three victims who were in two vehicles and attempting to cross through the bridge.
A resident, Mr Jonathan Eda said the flood also destroyed three cars and motorcycles and prevented movement over the bridge which was submerged.
Reacting, a social commentator, Magnus Oku, described the incident as unfortunate and saddening.
He said that it was negligence and insensitivity of those in positions of authority who had failed to complete the Karshi road over the years that led to the sad occurrence.
“It is painful that same politicians come around to run their campaigns in those areas without any show of sympathy to the residents of the community with regards to the completion of the project,” he said.
Oku called on the FCT Minister, AMAC chairman and those representing the FCT in the National Assembly to live up to their responsibilities.
Emeh Achanga,the CEO of the Miss Petite Nigeria Brand is a lawyer turned blogger. She is very passionate about writing, with several publications and awards to her credit .She is currently working on publishing a collection of short stories which are basically a memoir about her exciting true experiences.
