Shocking Incident in Edo State: Motorcyclist Swept Away by Rampaging Erosion in Ekpoma (Video)
In a heart-wrenching tragedy that has left residents reeling, a commercial motorcyclist—commonly known as an “Okada rider”—was violently swept away by forceful floodwaters caused by severe erosion in Ekpoma, the university town in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The incident unfolded on Tuesday evening, September 16, 2025, following a heavy downpour that exacerbated the area’s chronic drainage issues. A harrowing video of the event has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread outrage and calls for urgent government intervention to address the escalating erosion crisis plaguing the region.
What Happened: A Desperate Struggle Captured on Camera
The accident occurred along Uwenlenbo Road, near Zekor Hotel in Ekpoma, a bustling area close to Ambrose Alli University. Eyewitnesses recounted how the rider, who was ferrying a female passenger, attempted to navigate the submerged road amid gushing waters. The powerful torrent, fueled by unchecked erosion and poor water channeling, quickly overpowered the motorcycle, dragging both the rider and his passenger into the raging flow.
In the circulating video, a narrator’s voice trembles as they describe the “horrifying” scene: “Look at this erosion… it’s sweeping everything away!” Bystanders can be heard shouting in panic, with one urgently pleading, “Help the bike man! He’s struggling!” Despite frantic efforts, the motorcyclist was unable to fight the current and was carried off downstream, vanishing into the muddy deluge. Miraculously, the female passenger managed to cling to a nearby structure and was rescued by onlookers, though she sustained minor injuries.
Sympathizers at the scene displayed the motorcycle’s license plate number on camera, making a desperate public appeal: “If you know this rider, please come forward to identify him. His bike number is [visible in video: Edo State plate].” As of Wednesday morning, September 17, the rider’s fate remains unknown, with search efforts hampered by ongoing rains and the area’s terrain.
The Broader Crisis: Erosion’s Deadly Toll in Edo
This isn’t an isolated mishap—Edo State has been battling a surge in erosion-related disasters, intensified by climate change, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructure. Ekpoma, home to thousands of students and locals, has seen multiple gully erosions carve deep ravines, destroying homes, farmlands, and roads. Recent reports highlight similar incidents across Nigeria: Just last week in Zaria, Kaduna State, a mother, her child, and another motorcyclist were swept away in floods, underscoring a national pattern of vulnerability during rainy seasons.
Residents and community leaders are furious, pointing to years of neglected drainage systems. One local, speaking anonymously in the video, lamented, “This erosion had a free day because there’s no proper channel. How many more lives before the government acts?” The incident has reignited demands for federal and state agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to prioritize anti-erosion projects like culvert reinforcements and rechanneling.
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration has previously allocated funds for erosion control, but critics argue implementation has been slow. In a related development earlier this year, the state revoked licenses of two schools after a 12-year-old pupil was swept away by floods en route to exams in July 2025, highlighting systemic failures in flood-prone areas.
Public Reaction and Calls for Action
Social media erupted overnight, with the video amassing thousands of shares under hashtags like #SaveEkpomaFromErosion and #EdoFloodCrisis. Influencers and activists are amplifying voices from affected communities, urging:
- Immediate search and rescue operations for the missing rider.
- Emergency funding for drainage upgrades in Ekpoma and beyond.
- Public awareness campaigns on flood risks during the rainy season.
The Edo State Police Command has issued a public notice via Facebook, sharing the victim’s photo and bike details to aid identification, while confirming no foul play is suspected. Civil society groups are mobilizing volunteers for relief efforts, distributing sandbags and alerting residents to avoid low-lying roads.
Watch the Video: A Stark Warning
The raw footage, shared widely on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, serves as a chilling reminder of nature’s fury unchecked by human negligence. (Note: Viewer discretion advised due to the distressing content.)
As investigations continue, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for resilient infrastructure in Nigeria’s erosion hotspots. Our thoughts are with the rider’s family and the Ekpoma community—may swift action prevent further heartbreak. Stay safe during these rains, and follow local advisories. For updates, monitor official channels from NEMA or Edo State Government.