The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ekiti State Command, has urged residents of flood-prone communities to exercise extreme caution following widespread flooding that damaged roads, disrupted vehicular movement and reportedly swept away three persons.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Akinwumi Jegede, disclosed this during an inspection of flood-affected areas, including Elemi Bridge, Afao Bridge and Ayemi Bridge. He said personnel from the NSCDC Disaster and Emergency Management Unit had been deployed to cordon off dangerous areas, sensitise residents and motorists, and prevent further loss of lives and property.
Jegede said the bridge at Afao had collapsed completely, cutting off vehicular movement between Ado-Ekiti and the community. He added that floodwaters also caused significant damage around Elemi Bridge, where the overflow resulted in heavy traffic gridlock. According to him, the command was collaborating with other emergency and security agencies to protect residents and secure affected locations.
While responding to reports that three persons had been swept away, the NSCDC spokesman said the command had received reports of casualties but could not independently confirm the number. However, an eyewitness, Comrade Niyi Ayodele, said he saw two motorcycles in the river after the flood receded and disclosed that several residents had been forced out of their homes by the flooding.
Another resident of Afao, identified as Tayo, said the collapse of the bridge had made movement extremely difficult, forcing residents to carry people across some affected sections. At Ayemi Garage, an eyewitness also alleged that two people were swept away when a truck passing through the flooded section generated a surge of water that overwhelmed people attempting to cross.
The NSCDC urged residents and motorists to avoid flooded bridges, roads and waterways, especially areas with strong currents, and to obey restrictions imposed by emergency personnel. The command also warned against constructing structures on waterways or obstructing drainage channels, while appealing for cooperation among residents, government agencies and emergency responders to prevent further loss of lives and property
