Good Samaritan swept away by flood while trying to rescue teenage girl in Aba

The incident occurred on Sunday evening, 25 October, at Ukwu Mango, along Faulks Road, during a heavy downpour. According to reports, the girl was walking near an ongoing construction site when she reportedly struck a stone and fell into an uncovered ditch filled with rainwater.

A man who witnessed the incident reportedly jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue her. However, the strong current overwhelmed both of them and swept them away before bystanders could bring them to safety.

The Abia State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka. She said the authorities had been informed and that efforts were underway to locate and rescue the missing pair. At the time of the reports, neither victim had been found.

Residents initially searched the surrounding area and drainage channels for the missing individuals. On Monday, the Abia State Fire Service and other government officials joined the search operation, while police officers were also present to help manage the situation.

There were fears that the floodwater might have carried the victims into the Aba River. However, authorities had not confirmed their whereabouts, and their identities had not been publicly disclosed in the reports available at the time.

The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by uncovered drainage channels and construction excavations during heavy rainfall. Residents in flood-prone parts of Aba face increased risks when rainwater fills open drains and creates powerful currents.

Police said investigations into the incident were ongoing. Questions also remain about the safety precautions at the construction site, including whether adequate measures had been taken to protect pedestrians from the flooded excavation