In the Ikot Awatim Community, located in Ikot Ansa, Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State, a tragic incident occurred on Friday night, 10 July 2026.This happened following several hours of heavy rainfall that had been continuously affecting Calabar, leading to extensive flooding and damage to properties in various parts of the city.
Residents were left in shock and sorrow as community youths worked tirelessly throughout the night to carry out rescue operations, only to find the lifeless bodies of the victims amidst the wreckage.
The victims were identified as four children belonging to Mr.and Mrs.Kingsley Etim Edu, along with a man known only as Mr.Udo, who was believed to be a tanker driver employed at a fuel depot.
The deceased siblings were Bright Kingsley Edu (18), Godswill Kingsley Edu (12), Daniel Kingsley Edu (11), and Richard Kingsley Edu (10).
According to local residents, the children's mother was at a church service when the rain started.Worried about the weather conditions, the children reportedly left the church before their mother to return home.
Their father, who is a Homeland Security personnel, was away on duty at the time.
Speaking to Cross River Watch at the site on Saturday, July 11, the devastated mother, Mrs.Mercy Kingsley Edu, known locally as Mama Uwana, struggled to come to terms with the unimaginable loss.She explained that her children had decided to go home before the rain got worse.
She said they arrived home, changed into dry clothes, and lay down to rest on their bed, without realizing that disaster was approaching.
She recounted that the ground collapsed, burying the house and trapping the children under the debris.
In tears, she said that everything the family owned had been swallowed by the landslide.
“Everything was buried in the landslide, taking my children and leaving us hopeless and homeless,” she cried.Overcome with grief, she repeatedly questioned why her family had been chosen for such a tragic fate.
“Why me?
Why me?Four out of seven gone in one day.At least it should have been an accident that claimed their legs, not four children buried in one day.Where will I start?My husband never buys anything for himself because he wants his children to go to school.Three boys and a girl… all gone,” she said.
Her husband, Mr.
Kingsley Edu, who works in Homeland Security, was too overwhelmed to speak as sympathizers gathered around the family.The bodies of the four deceased children were buried shortly after they were recovered, while the remains of Mr.Udo were deposited in a mortuary.
This tragedy has plunged Ikot Awatim Community into deep mourning, with residents and well-wishers coming together to console the grieving family and witness the extent of the destruction.
Community members have appealed to the Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, and other well-meaning citizens to assist the bereaved family, who have not only lost four children but have also been left without a home due to the landslide that destroyed their house.
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