By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
A devastating flood has claimed the lives of Reverend Father James Omeh, the Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Gulu, and a woman identified as Charity John, after their vehicle was swept off a failed portion of the Lapai-Gulu Road in Niger State.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday afternoon near Duma village in Lapai Local Government Area, has sparked renewed outrage over the dilapidated state of critical infrastructure in the region.
Rev. Fr. Omeh, who also served as the Coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lapai LGA, was reportedly travelling in a white Toyota Hilux vehicle to Gulu when he encountered a collapsed bridge. While attempting to turn back amidst a heavy downpour, the vehicle was caught in rising floodwaters and swept into a deep ditch.
“He didn’t know the bridge had given way. As he was turning back near Duma village, the flood took over and dragged the vehicle into a water-filled pit,” a local source told Daily Trust. “His body and that of the woman with him were later recovered by villagers with the help of the Sarkin Ruwa.”
The incident has reignited calls for urgent government intervention on the Lapai-Gulu Road, a key link between Niger and Kogi States. Residents lament that repeated warnings about the deteriorating condition of the road have been ignored.
“The government cannot continue to overlook our plight. This road has become a death trap, especially during the rainy season. Now it has taken the life of a priest. What else is needed before they act?” a resident queried.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the tragedy. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said the bodies were recovered and handed over to church authorities.
“On May 25 around 1 p.m., information was received that Rev. Fr. James Omeh and one Charity John were swept away by floodwaters while travelling to Gulu village. Their bodies were recovered with the help of community members and released to the Church for burial,” Abiodun said.
Many locals have called on the Niger State government and relevant federal agencies to urgently reconstruct the road to prevent further loss of lives.