Reverend Father James Omeh, the Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Gulu, Lapai Local Government Area, and a woman identified as Charity John, tragically died on Sunday, May 25, 2025, after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.
Father Omeh, who also served as the Coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lapai LGA, and Ms. John were traveling in a white Hilux vehicle along the Lapai-Gulu Road when the incident occurred. A heavy downpour earlier that afternoon led to rapidly rising floodwaters, which caused the Lapai-Gulu bridge near Duma village to collapse.
According to a source, Father Omeh was en route to Gulu around noon when he discovered the collapsed bridge. As he attempted to turn back towards Duma, torrential rains intensified, and the resulting flash flood engulfed his vehicle, sweeping it into a deep, water-filled ditch.Local volunteers, aided by the Sarkin Ruwa, managed to recover the vehicle.
Sadly, the lifeless bodies of both Reverend Father Omeh and Charity John were found at the scene.
Residents have expressed ongoing concerns to Daily Trust regarding the deplorable condition of the Lapai-Gulu Road, reiterating urgent calls for intervention to ensure the safety of commuters.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday. SP Wasiu Abiodun, the police spokesperson, stated that the bodies of the victims had been recovered with the help of community members and subsequently released to the church for burial. The vehicle was also towed out of the stream.
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