The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the tragic death of two teenage brothers who drowned during a flood in Eligbolo community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, following heavy rainfall on Sunday.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, described the development as heartbreaking and said detectives had commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the boys’ deaths.
“Yes, I’m aware of the incident. We lost two children due to the floods. I feel for the mother—losing two children at once is very pathetic.
We condole with the family, and investigations are ongoing,” Iringe-Koko said.
The victims, identified as Miracle Peters (16) and Emma Peters (17), reportedly drowned after rescuing a person trapped in the flood. According to eyewitnesses, the boys had successfully saved the individual but were swept away by the strong current while attempting to retrieve a lost slipper.
Their mother, Mrs. Onyinyechi Peters, recounted her ordeal in tears, saying she returned home to discover her sons were missing.
“I came back and asked where they were, and one of my neighbours said someone had called them to help rescue a person.
After helping the person cross safely, one of my sons’ slippers fell into the water.
As they tried to pick it, the flood carried both of them away,” she said.
Neighbours who witnessed the incident reportedly mistook the boys’ struggle for play and failed to intervene in time.
Residents of Eligbolo have since attributed the tragedy to the poor drainage system in the area.
They said an overflowing canal along G.U. Ake Road had repeatedly caused severe flooding, destroying properties and endangering lives.
One resident, Cynthia, lamented, “When I returned from church, everywhere was flooded. Everything in my house was destroyed.
“We even slept outside because the water didn’t recede. Two lives were lost.
The government should deepen the canal so water can flow properly.”
Another resident, Augustina, who manages a nearby guest house, said the flood damaged several electrical appliances and property within the facility.
“I’ve never seen this kind of flood before. Everything — the generator, fridge, and speakers — was soaked.
The government should please do something about the canal,” she pleaded.
As residents mourn the loss of the two brothers, the police have assured that the investigation will determine whether negligence or environmental factors contributed to the tragedy.