Residents in several communities across Ondo State have appealed to the state government for help after a devastating flood ravaged their homes and property over the weekend.
The flood, triggered by continuous rainfall last Friday through Sunday, reportedly caused significant damage in Owo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Ese Odo Local Government Areas. Property worth millions of naira was reportedly lost in the disaster.
Communities such as Uso, Ayeka, Ikoya, Igbodigo, Igodan, and Igbotako were among the worst hit, with reports of buildings destroyed and bridges submerged under floodwaters.
Mr. Joshua Jemiloni, a resident of Okitipupa, recounted the experience, saying, “The flooding was caused by erosion flowing down from Igodan, coupled with the fact that the Igodan stream along the road overflowed its banks during the torrential downpour.
It affected about 10 buildings. But we quickly ran out with our wives and children to seek refuge in safer neighbouring houses. Apart from damaging the walls and foundations of some buildings, we lost valuables such as electronics, clothing, beddings, chairs, rugs, and kitchen utensils to the flood.
The canal was dredged earlier this year, but it has been blocked by debris, which I believe led to the flooding.”
He appealed to the authorities to dredge the blocked canal, which he believes contributed significantly to the flooding.
In Igbodigo, another affected town in Okitipupa LGA, community leader Lawrence Awanebi also expressed concern about the extent of destruction. “Many residents have been rendered homeless as a result of the incident. We are calling on the government to assist in this regard,” he said.
Similarly, a local trader, Mrs. Stella Ojo, lamented the situation and urged the government to tackle the underlying causes of the recurring floods. She said “several houses had been washed away by the flood and urged the government to address the root causes of incessant flooding in the state.”
Chairman of Owo Local Government, Tope Omolayo, made a plea for swift intervention from higher authorities. “We are calling on the Federal Government to assist our people because the damage is beyond what the local government can handle alone,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had earlier assured that proactive measures were being taken to prevent future disasters. “As a government, we shall continue with initiatives that will reduce the effects of floods and other natural disasters by dredging our waterways and enforcing environmental sanitation laws,” he said.
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