One feared dead after devastating flood in Ado-Ekiti, Akure, Edo - The Guardian Nigeria News
One person is feared dead after hours of devastating torrential rainfall in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, as residents count their losses.
The floods overwhelmed roads, homes and businesses in several parts of the state capital. Areas including Afao Road, Adebayo, Ilawe Road and Poly Road were badly affected, while buildings around the Ureje River and other vulnerable locations were reportedly submerged. For traders, the downpour destroyed more than just property. Shops were submerged, while tables, merchandise, and other goods were carried away by the rushing water, leaving some business owners stranded and facing significant losses. For Favour Mary, the wait for her husband to return home after a night of heavy rain in Ado-Ekiti ended in tragedy. Mary said she spoke with her husband, 35-year-old Ibrahim Mandella, twice at about 10:45 p.m. as he prepared to return home from Adehun, where he had stopped during the downpour. He reportedly sent her N4,500 for dinner and promised to return shortly. But by 4:00 a.m., Mandella was still missing. His remains were later found near the highway around the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries junction in Adehun, after he was reportedly swept away while attempting to cross fast-moving water under a narrow bridge. His brother, Dauda Daniel, said Mandella had told people around him that he could make it across before he was carried away. Mandella, a native of Zacaba Local Council Area of Kebbi State, had been working in Ekiti before the incident. There were also unconfirmed reports of a woman being swept into a drainage channel.
Witnesses said she was seen struggling against the current as onlookers shouted for help but could not reach her because of the dangerous conditions. Her whereabouts remained unknown as of the time of filing this report.
Also, hours of downpour in Akure, the Ondo State capital, have left a trail of calamity, with flooding, erosion, and blocked drainages affecting the metropolis, while some passengers and commercial motorcycle operators (Okada) narrowly escaped death yesterday. The floods were more intense on the Oke Aro axis of the state capital, as Okada operators watched helplessly as their bikes were swept away by the floods while they ran for their lives. Also, many workers and students were stranded for hours as the heavy rainfall persisted throughout the day. Residents, who attributed the flooding to the ongoing construction and dualisation of the Akure-Idanre road, which started over one and a half years ago, appealed to the state government to urgently intervene and complete the road project. A resident at Iloro Market Junction, Nireti Akinbolawa, said: “We are tired of this suffering. Every time it rains, we fear for our lives. The government must act fast before we lose someone. “The construction has made things worse. They should clear and enlarge the bridges and drainage so water can flow freely.” The residents also appealed to their fellow citizens, urging them to stop dumping refuse in drainages, waterways, and by the roadsides. They further advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid driving or riding through flooded roads when the depth is unknown, as such actions have proven fatal. When contacted, the Commissioner for Environment in the state, Tob Loko, disclosed that the situation is still being assessed, stressing that the state government will take necessary action.
Similarly, palpable fear has gripped residents of Enwan Community, Akoko-Edo Local Council Area of Edo State following the overflow of a nearby Ojirami Dam, which has caused flooding in the community and its environs. The Dam overflowed its banks and flooded the Enwan-Igarra-Ososo Expressway after a heavy downpour on Sunday. The road has since been impassable for commuters. Speaking on the flood and plight of Enwan residents on the phone, a community leader, Dr Agbadua Bamidele, expressed fear that if the rain continues, the entire community would be submerged.
