By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
A tragic downpour on Sunday has claimed the lives of Reverend Father James Omeh, the Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Gulu, and a woman, Charity John, after their vehicle was swept away by a raging flood near Duma village in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.
The late Rev. Fr. Omeh, who also served as the Coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lapai LGA, was travelling along the Lapai-Gulu Road around noon when the incident occurred. Sources said he was attempting to turn back upon discovering that the bridge ahead had collapsed, but was caught in a torrential downpour that quickly overwhelmed the road.
“He was driving a white Hilux van when the floodwater surged and swept the vehicle into a deep ditch,” a local source told Daily Trust. “Despite efforts by volunteers and the Sarkin Ruwa, it was too late. His lifeless body and that of the woman were later recovered from the scene.”
The incident has once again highlighted the deplorable condition of the Lapai-Gulu Road, a crucial link between Niger and Kogi states, which residents say has been a disaster waiting to happen.
“We’ve been crying out about this road for years. It’s a death trap during the rainy season,” lamented Malam Abdullahi Sani, a resident of Duma. “If something had been done earlier, maybe Rev. Father Omeh would still be alive today.”
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident. According to the spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the victims were recovered with the help of local residents and handed over to the church for burial.
“On May 25th, 2025, at about 1 p.m., we received information that Rev. Fr. James Omeh and one Charity John were swept away by floodwaters while heading to Gulu village. Police operatives attached to Lapai Division responded and, with the help of community members, recovered their bodies and the vehicle,” he said.
The double tragedy has sparked renewed calls for urgent government intervention to fix the road and prevent further loss of life, especially as the rainy season intensifies.
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