Tragedy struck in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State as a Catholic priest, Reverend Father James Omeh, and a woman identified as Charity John were swept away by a flood following a torrential downpour on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Fr. Omeh, who until his death was the Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Gulu, and also served as the Coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lapai LGA, was travelling in a white Toyota Hilux vehicle when the incident occurred.
Sources said the priest was on his way to Gulu when he discovered that the bridge along the Lapai-Gulu Road had collapsed near Duma village.
While attempting to turn back, he was caught in a sudden flood that swept his vehicle into a deep, water-filled ditch.
“Rev. Fr. Omeh, who was driving the white Hilux, was swept away by the flood into a deep ditch. Local volunteers, with assistance from the Sarkin Ruwa, later recovered the vehicle.
Unfortunately, the lifeless bodies of Rev. Fr. Omeh and the woman were also found at the scene,” a resident told Punch.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns among locals over the poor state of the Lapai-Gulu Road, which they say has become a death trap, especially during the rainy season. Residents have renewed calls for urgent government intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, stating that the victims’ bodies had been recovered and handed over to the Church for burial.
“On 25th May, 2025, around 1 p.m., information was received that Rev. Fr. James Omeh and one Charity John, en route Gulu in a white Toyota Hilux, were swept away by floodwaters and drowned.
Police operatives attached to Lapai Division, with help from community members, recovered the bodies and the vehicle,” Abiodun said.
The priest’s death has left the Christian community in mourning, with tributes pouring in for his service to both the Church and the broader religious community in Niger State.
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