By Deborah Nnamdi
The Catholic community in Niger State has been thrown into mourning following the tragic loss of one of their reverend fathers identified as Father James Omeh, who, along with a female passenger and member of the church, Charity John, was swept away by floodwaters in Lapai Local Government Area, Niger State.
Before his passing, Father Omeh was the Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Gulu and also served as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Coordinator for Lapai LGA.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday, May 25, 2025, while Father Omeh and Charity were returning from a religious event in Duma village to Gulu. Around midday, their Toyota Hilux was caught in severe flooding caused by a heavy downpour and plunged into a gully along the highway.
According to sources, Father Omeh, who was behind the wheel, lost control of the vehicle due to the storm’s intensity and road erosion. The van was swept into a deep, water-filled gully, resulting in the drowning of both occupants.
“Efforts by local volunteers to rescue them were unsuccessful. When the vehicle was finally recovered, their lifeless bodies were found inside,” an eyewitness said.
The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident.
He said: “On May 25, 2025, around 1 p.m., information was received that Reverend Father James Omeh and one Charity John were swept away by floodwaters while traveling in a white Toyota Hilux. The vehicle was submerged in a flooded stream due to a heavy downpour.
“Police operatives from Lapai Division moved to the scene, and with assistance from community members, the bodies were recovered and handed over to the Church for burial. The vehicle was also towed from the stream.”
The tragic loss of Father Omeh and Charity John has deeply saddened the local Christian community, with many describing the late priest as a dedicated servant of God and a unifying figure in the area.
