Massive flooding has wreaked havoc across several communities in Ondo State, leaving scores of residents counting their losses and pleading for urgent government intervention.
Triggered by continuous downpours over the weekend, the flood submerged bridges and destroyed buildings across Owo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Ese Odo Local Government Areas. Communities such as Uso, Ayeka, Ikoya, Igbodigo, Igodan, and Igbotako were among the hardest hit.
In Okitipupa, residents described the scene as devastating. Mr. Joshua Jemiloni, a resident, recounted how torrents of water, worsened by erosion from nearby Igodan and an overflowing stream, tore through homes and properties.
“About 10 houses were affected. We had to flee with our families. Electronics, clothing, furniture everything was lost. Although the canal here was dredged earlier this year, it’s now blocked by debris. That, I believe, caused the overflow,” Jemiloni said, urging the state to clear the blocked canal immediately.
Community leader Mr. Lawrence Awanebi from Igbodigo also described the extent of destruction as alarming. He called on both state and federal authorities to support displaced residents.
“People have lost their homes. This is beyond what our community can handle alone,” he said.
Market vendor Mrs. Stella Ojo echoed the concerns, saying, “Houses were washed away. The government must look into the underlying causes of this repeated flooding.”
Responding to the situation, the Chairman of Owo Local Government, Mr. Tope Omolayo, appealed for federal assistance, emphasizing that the damage exceeded the capacity of the local council.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government had previously promised efforts to curb such disasters. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had announced earlier that his administration had embarked on dredging projects and enforcement of sanitation laws to tackle flood risks.
“As a government, we are committed to reducing the impact of natural disasters by maintaining waterways and promoting environmental responsibility,” the governor had stated.
Residents now hope that authorities will act swiftly to prevent further hardship and safeguard vulnerable communities across the state.
