The body of a 38-year-old Okada rider, popularly known as Gayito, has been retrieved after he drowned while helping travellers cross the flooded Bia River in Dadieso, in the Suaman District of the Western North Region.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning after days of heavy rainfall caused the Bia River to overflow, rendering the Dadieso–Kwasuo road impassable.
Gayito was reportedly ferrying stranded passengers across the dangerous current when he slipped and was swept away by the forceful waters.
Eyewitnesses said the rider had already helped several people to safety before being overpowered by the strong current.
Despite immediate rescue efforts by passersby and officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Gayito could not be found at the time.
Search efforts intensified with support from the Suaman District Assembly and local emergency responders.
According to reports, traditional leaders in the area performed customary rites at the riverbank early Friday morning, after which the body was recovered.
The community has been thrown into mourning, hailing Gayito as a hero who lost his life while trying to save others.
Meanwhile, NADMO continues to caution residents against attempting to cross floodwaters, especially during peak rains.