A Nigerian man has reportedly raised an alarm over the worsening flood situation in Port Harcourt, claiming that crocodiles and pythons allegedly escaped from a neighbour’s property and are posing a danger to residents.
According to a post attributed to Gossip Mill Naija, the man appealed to Nigerians for urgent assistance, claiming that his neighbour had been keeping crocodiles and pythons before heavy flooding hit the area.
“Nigerians come and help me, My neighbor is training Crocodiles and Pythons now there is a Big Flood in Port Harcourt and the crocodiles escaped,” the man was quoted as saying.
He further alleged that two children returning from school had been killed by the escaped crocodiles and said he was too frightened to enter the floodwaters.
“I need an Helicopter as I am scared to enter the flood,” he reportedly said.
The man also made another extraordinary appeal, claiming that he was willing to sell his mansion, which he valued at ₦300 million, for just ₦5 million in order to get assistance.
The claims have attracted attention online as residents in parts of Port Harcourt continue to deal with serious flooding following heavy rainfall. TheCable reported on September 28 that several areas of the Rivers State capital had been affected, with floodwaters submerging vehicles, homes and roads and leaving some residents stranded.
However, while the flooding itself has been independently reported, the more dramatic claims involving escaped crocodiles and pythons and the alleged deaths of two children have not been independently confirmed by credible news organisations or authorities at the time of this report.
There is therefore no verified evidence currently available to establish that crocodiles escaped in the reported area or that two children were killed by them.
The viral message has nonetheless generated reactions online, with many people expressing concern over the alleged situation and questioning whether the claims can be verified.
Residents affected by the flooding have continued to appeal for assistance as water levels rise in some communities. Authorities and emergency agencies are expected to provide verified information on any serious incidents arising from the flooding.
For now, the alleged crocodile attack and the reported ₦300 million mansion offer remain unverified claims circulating online, while the flooding in parts of Port Harcourt has been independently confirmed.
