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| One of the affected compounds |
It wasn't even a cat-and-dog rain on the night of Saturday, June 1, 2024. It was merely a cat-and-cat plaything. But an angry flood, like a gang of robbers, broke a fence, rushed into a compound and clobbered a retired director of SUBEB to death!
Chief Anselem Etuk had a settled evening in his No 10, D- Line, Ewet Housing Extension, Uyo, residence. He discussed with some tenants, said good night to his wife in the adjourning room, returned to his chamber and went to bed.
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| Akwa Ibom State Director of ISPON, Mr Ita Benson Utah, inspecting the collapsed fence, where the flood entered from. |
But behind his fence, unknown to him, a wicked and havoc-prone flood gradually gathered as the pitter-patter-sounding rain induced a calming sleep.
The deafening bang of his collapsed fence startled him awake, just like it did to other occupants. Then, a rushing, cold liquid shocked him out of his sleepy state.
Chief Etuk made to swim out of his room as the water was fast rising above knee level. But his quick wit reminded him of his loving wife, who was not too well.
As he ran into Madam’s room, a younger lady had gotten there a minute earlier. Luckily, the elderly lady was shepherded out to safety, just as a stronger surge pushed Chief who was blocking its newfound pathway. He fell, never to get up!
Over six water pumps were quickly hired to help drain the flood from all the affected compounds on the street, but it might take days to achieve that.
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| The fence of this compound fell not long ago and had just been reconstructed. But it’s already showing cracks because of the recent flood. |
Chief Etuk’s death drew the attention of the state government, as the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, reportedly visited in the morning.
The government is expected to take immediate remedial action, beyond photo ops, to save other residents of the street, as most of the houses there are under sea level.
Residents said they suffer similar havoc every year, urging the government to offer a lasting solution.
A recent construction of road on the said street helped to worsen the situation, this time, as there appears no large drainage to empty the water into the bigger channels on Edet Akpan Avenue.
Many wondered what would happen in the next few months, and how many other lives may be lost, when rain is expected to increase into its season.
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