BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
A wave of sorrow has swept through the Catholic community and the people of Niger State following the tragic death of Reverend Father James Omeh and a female passenger, Charity John, who were both swept away by raging floodwaters in Lapai Local Government Area on Saturday, May 25, 2025.
Father Omeh, until his untimely death, served as the Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Gulu and was also the Coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for Lapai LGA. He was widely known and respected for his humility, commitment to service, and efforts toward interdenominational unity in the region.
According to eyewitnesses and local sources, the fatal incident occurred around midday as Father Omeh and Charity were returning from a church program held in Duma village. They were en route to Gulu when their Toyota Hilux was caught in a fierce rainstorm that had left parts of the highway dangerously eroded and flooded.
In an attempt to navigate the waterlogged road, the priest reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which was then swept off the highway and plunged into a gully created by erosion. The vehicle was quickly submerged, and despite desperate rescue efforts by nearby residents and volunteers, the two occupants could not be saved.
“People tried to help, but the current was too strong,” said an eyewitness. “When the water finally calmed and the vehicle was pulled out, their bodies were found inside. It was a very painful scene.”
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun. In a statement, he said:
“On May 25, 2025, around 1 p.m., the police received a distress report that a white Toyota Hilux vehicle, driven by Reverend Father James Omeh and carrying one Charity John, had been swept away by floodwaters following a heavy downpour in the Lapai area.
“Operatives from the Lapai Police Division, assisted by members of the local community, mobilized to the scene. The vehicle was located and recovered along with the bodies of the victims. Both have since been handed over to church authorities for burial.”
The death of Father Omeh has cast a heavy shadow over the Christian faithful in Niger State. Parishioners and community leaders have been paying tribute to the late priest, describing him as a compassionate leader, a man of peace, and a spiritual father to many.
Many also expressed concern about the poor condition of rural roads and the growing impact of erosion and climate change in the region. Residents are calling on the government to urgently address the state’s deteriorating infrastructure to prevent further tragedies.
“This is not just a spiritual loss, but also a wake-up call,” said one mourner. “We can’t keep losing lives to poor road conditions and lack of drainage systems.”
As the Catholic Diocese and the wider community mourn, preparations for the burial of Father Omeh and Charity John are underway. The church is expected to hold a memorial service in their honor in the coming days.
