No fewer than three persons were reportedly killed after a heavy downpour triggered severe flooding across parts of Onitsha, Anambra State, on Saturday evening.

The victims were said to have been swept away by raging floodwaters that overwhelmed drainage channels and major roads within the commercial city.

Residents said two of the bodies were recovered at Akor, a location within the Onitsha metropolis, while the third victim, believed to be a commercial tricycle operator, was found near Zenith Bank by Ogboefere Market in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area.

The rainfall, which began at about 5:30 p.m., caused widespread flooding as drains and gutters overflowed, disrupting vehicular movement and creating panic among motorists and residents.

Areas badly affected included New and Old Market Road, Awka Road, Oguta Road and Ojedi Road, where floodwaters submerged sections of the roads and impeded traffic flow.

Eyewitnesses said motorists were forced to reverse along parts of Ojedi Road and Oguta Road to avoid being swept into deep drainage channels concealed by floodwaters.

Beyond the reported loss of lives, residents also complained of disruptions to telecommunications services, with difficulties in making calls and receiving text and WhatsApp messages since the rainstorm.

Meanwhile, the Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF) identified the deceased tricycle operator as one of its members.

In a statement, the forum identified the victim as Mmaduabuchi Elechi, whose tricycle, bearing registration number KED 142 VN, was reportedly found parked beside his body near Zenith Bank, Ogboefere Market.

The forum described the incident as tragic and appealed to members of the public, community leaders, transport unions and anyone familiar with the deceased to assist in reaching his family.

“We kindly appeal to members of the public, friends, relatives and community leaders who may know the family of the deceased to help contact his next of kin and relatives,” the statement said.

“This information is being circulated to ensure that his family is properly informed and supported during this difficult time.”

The forum also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and comfort for his family.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Anambra State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, were not responded to as of the time of filing this report. (Vanguard)

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