A devastating flood has submerged homes and livelihoods in at least ten communities in Ogun State’s Yewa North Local Government Area, leaving residents in a state of despair.
The affected communities, including Ijale-Ketu, Oke Ola, Oke Eyo, Asa, Ayetoro Oguba, Idigbo, Omilende, and several others, are urgently appealing to the government for aid and long-term solutions to the perennial flooding.
According to Oba Adeniyi Oyero, the Onijale of Ijale-Ketu, the communities have been struggling with the flood for many years, despite efforts to get the attention of the government.
The monarch expressed frustration that their pleas have fallen on deaf ears, leaving them to suffer the devastating consequences of the flood.
The flood, caused by the overflow of the Odo Idi river, has damaged homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, displacing residents and destroying their means of livelihood. The communities are now isolated, with many residents forced to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.
Oba Oyero lamented that the situation has become a humanitarian crisis, with many residents in dire need of relief materials and aid.
He urged the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun, as well as federal and state representatives, to come to their aid and provide a lasting solution to the flooding.
The traditional ruler suggested that the government construct a new bridge, repair the road, and implement other measures to prevent future flooding.
He also appealed for assistance with relief materials, as many residents have lost their properties and livelihoods.
He added, “The flood has brought our community to its knees. We urgently need the government’s assistance to restore our homes, our roads, and our livelihoods. We have been abandoned to suffer in this flood. Our people are struggling to survive, and we need help now more than ever.
“The flood has destroyed our infrastructure, our homes, and our businesses. We need the government to come to our aid and help us rebuild. We are not asking for favours, we are asking for the government to fulfil its responsibility to its citizens. We need help, and we need it now.
“The flood has displaced our people, destroyed our properties, and disrupted our lives. We need the government’s assistance to restore our community to its former glory.”
Corroborating the king, one of the residents, Ganiyu Atanda lamented that the community road remains impassable.
He added that the community is still without access to necessities like food, medicine, and clean water.
He noted,” The flood came suddenly, without warning. We were trapped in our home, with no way to escape. We had to wait for hours until the waters receded enough for us to get out.
“The king is right, the flood has destroyed our infrastructure, our homes, and our businesses. We need the government’s assistance to rebuild our community and our lives.
“We have been abandoned to suffer in this flood. We need help, and we need it now. We cannot afford to wait any longer.”
