Tragedy in Niger State: Catholic Priest Rev. Fr. James Omeh and Charity John Swept Away by Flood on Lapai-Gulu Road

 

A devastating tragedy struck the Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State on Sunday, May 25, 2025, as heavy flooding claimed the lives of two people—Reverend Father James Omeh, the parish priest of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Gulu, and a woman identified as Charity John. The unfortunate incident has thrown the local community and the Christian community in Niger State into deep mourning.

Who Was Rev. Fr. James Omeh?

Rev. Fr. James Omeh was not only a Catholic priest but also a key religious figure in the area. He served as the Coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the entire Lapai Local Government Area, making him a spiritual leader for Christians across denominational lines. Known for his humility, community service, and unwavering faith, Rev. Fr. Omeh had built a reputation as a servant of the people and a man of deep spiritual commitment.

Sadly, his life and ministry came to a tragic end during what should have been a routine journey.

What Happened on the Lapai-Gulu Road?

According to reports gathered by NaijaRush, the fatal incident occurred around 12 noon on Sunday afternoon. Rev. Fr. Omeh was traveling along the Lapai-Gulu Road in his white Toyota Hilux, with Charity John accompanying him. Their destination was Gulu village, a community where Fr. Omeh regularly carried out priestly duties and community outreach.

However, due to the ongoing rainy season and deplorable road conditions, the journey took a tragic turn. A massive downpour caused flash flooding in the area, leading to the collapse of a critical bridge near Duma village. On discovering that the Lapai-Gulu bridge had been washed away by floodwaters, Rev. Fr. Omeh attempted to turn back toward Duma village. But the torrential rain had already transformed the road into a death trap.

An eyewitness described the harrowing scene:

“Rev. Fr. Omeh, who was driving a white Hilux, was swept away by the flood into a deep, water-filled ditch. Local volunteers, with assistance from the Sarkin Ruwa, later recovered the vehicle. Sadly, the lifeless bodies of Rev. Fr. Omeh and a woman were recovered at the scene.”

Community Shock and Grief

The news of the flood disaster in Lapai-Gulu quickly spread, sparking widespread grief across the state. Parishioners, friends, and local residents who knew the priest were visibly shaken. Many described Rev. Fr. James Omeh as a man of peace, humility, and deep devotion.

“It’s hard to believe,” said a member of his parish. “Fr. Omeh has baptized our children, prayed over our homes, and even helped widows in this community. Now we are hearing he died in a flood? It’s just too painful.”

Charity John, the woman who also lost her life in the tragic incident, was said to be a devoted member of the local church. She had often volunteered during church activities and was known for her kindness and willingness to serve.

Road Infrastructure Crisis in Lapai-Gulu

Residents of the area have long complained about the poor condition of the Lapai-Gulu Road. For years, the road has remained in a state of disrepair, with potholes, poor drainage, and lack of proper maintenance making it a hazardous route—especially during the rainy season.

Local residents told Daily Trust and confirmed to NaijaRush that repeated calls for government intervention had gone unanswered.

“This is not the first time people have died here,” said a concerned local. “We have written letters, staged protests, and begged the government to fix the road, but nothing has been done. Now, a priest and a woman have died. Will they listen now?”

The lack of basic infrastructure, especially on such a critical route that links multiple communities, continues to pose a serious threat to life and safety.

Police Confirm the Tragedy

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the flood tragedy in an official statement on Monday. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, officers responded swiftly after receiving information about the incident.

“On 25th May, 2025 around 1 p.m., information was received that Rev. Fr. James Omeh of St. Anthony Catholic Church Gulu via Lapai and one Charity John were heading to Gulu village in a white Toyota Hilux vehicle, and were reportedly swept away by flood into a flooded stream as a result of the heavy downpour and got drowned,” the statement read.

“Police operatives attached to Lapai Division moved to the scene. The bodies of the victims were recovered with the help of community members and released to the Church for burial, while the vehicle was towed out of the stream."

A Call for Government Action

This latest tragedy has once again raised urgent questions about the state of infrastructure in Niger State, particularly rural roads that connect smaller communities to larger towns.

The Lapai-Gulu road disaster is not an isolated case. Every rainy season, poor drainage systems, weak bridges, and lack of road maintenance turn many parts of Nigeria into death traps for unsuspecting travelers.

Religious and community leaders have now renewed calls for government intervention.

“We must not let Rev. Fr. James Omeh’s death be in vain,” said a fellow clergy member during a church vigil. “This is a time for action, not condolences. We need roads that are safe, bridges that are strong, and a government that listens.”

The Pain of an Untimely Death

What makes this incident particularly painful is how preventable it was. With adequate road infrastructure and flood control systems in place, Rev. Fr. Omeh and Charity John might still be alive today.

Their deaths are a stark reminder of the human cost of neglect, and they highlight the urgent need for the federal and Niger State governments to invest in critical infrastructure—especially in rural areas where residents feel forgotten.

Final Farewell

As the community prepares to bury their beloved priest and sister, emotions remain raw. At St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, mourners have been holding prayer vigils, candlelight processions, and moments of silence in honor of Rev. Fr. Omeh and Charity John.

For many, the grief is not just about losing two lives, but about what their loss represents: a broken system that continues to fail its people.

NaijaRush.com extends our heartfelt condolences to the families of Rev. Fr. James Omeh and Charity John. We also stand in solidarity with the people of Gulu and Lapai, urging swift government action to prevent another tragedy.