By Onome Oghenetega
At least four persons have reportedly drowned at Omeligboma camp in Oko community near Asaba, Delta State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday while the victims were said to be fleeing from ravaging flood around the River Niger.
The victims, whose identities were yet to be ascertained, were on board a boat escaping from the menacing flood when the boat suddenly capsized at the middle of the river.
They were said to be rushing out of the the trapped settlement to higher grounds when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Captain of the il-fated boat was said to be the only survivor of the mishap.
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The camp, our correspondent learnt, had earlier be deserted following repeated warnings by government officials that those in flood prone areas should relocate to higher plains to avoid being trapped in the predicted flood.
However, some persons stayed behind, hoping for divine intervention to stave off the disaster.
The victims of the boat mishap were said to be among those who stayed back until the flood assumed unbearable dimension before they attempted to flee using the boat.
As at the time of filing this report, the bodies of the victims were yet to be recovered, although local divers were said to have intensified search.
Meanwhile, the ravaging flood has already submerged thatched houses, farm produce and other properties in the camp.
