By Law Ibitoye
Residents of Peace Avenue, Ayemi Garage, Irewumi and Toluwanimi communities in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have called for urgent government intervention following flood that submerged homes, damaged properties and rendered roads impassable.
The affected residents, who gathered around Ayemi Bridge on Tuesday, said the situation worsened after heavy rainfall on Monday. They alleged that three persons were swept away at the Ayemi Bridge, while several families were forced to flee their homes as floodwater entered houses and compounds.
Recounting their ordeal, Tosin Akinwunmi, said floodwater had taken over his home and destroyed some of his valuables. He urged the government to urgently intervene, saying residents were taxpayers and should be able to live without fear of flooding. In Irewumi and Toluwanimi, residents similarly alleged that blocked drainage channels and waterways had worsened the situation.
Biodun Bamisaye, Omotola Ojo and landlord Gbenga Olonibuwa alleged that some drainage passages had been blocked or obstructed, including a channel allegedly affected by Prosperous Hotel. The residents called for investigation and clearance of the waterways, while Pastor Olusegun Ojo of CAC Mountain of Resurrection said the flood had also damaged portions of the road linking the communities.
Responding, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the government was aware of the flooding and had taken measures, including excavation around flood-prone areas and warnings to residents ahead of heavy rainfall. He said Governor Biodun Oyebanji had directed relevant agencies and the Ministry of Works to inspect the affected areas and work towards a more durable bridge capable of withstanding erosion and flooding.
Also. The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Chief (Mrs.) Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, expressed sympathy to affected residents and families of those reportedly swept away. She urged residents to remain indoors during severe flooding, avoid entering floodwaters and wait for the water to recede before moving around, while appealing for cooperation with government efforts to mitigate flooding.
The residents, however, urged the government to go beyond emergency assessments by clearing obstructed drainage channels, restoring waterways and repairing affected roads.
They said prolonged rainfall could worsen the damage to homes and infrastructure, while the government maintained that both intervention and residents’ compliance with safety warnings were necessary to reduce the risks associated with flooding.