By Banji Ayoola
Disturbed by the fiery flood that wreaked havoc on Ikire in the western axis of Osun state, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the state’s commissioner for Environment to accelerate action on the ongoing state flood prevention plans.
While expressing his deeply-felt sympathy with the victims of the flood, he also assured them of his government’s commitment to addressing the root cause of the flood and preventing a recurrence.
In a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor said his administration had previously embarked on prevention actions and initiatives, blaming the massive rainfall as the cause of the sad event.
Adeleke assured the victims that his administration has activated emergency measures to rescue them and livelihoods hugely impacted by the flooding, stressing that the government will do all in its capacity to support them.
His words: “It is touching to learn about the monumental damages that flood has wrecked on homes and livelihoods in Ikire.
“The scale of the losses suffered by our people as a result of the flood disaster is too heavy especially at a time of economic strain as now.”
He said: “I want to, on behalf of the State Government, convey heartfelt sympathy to everyone affected in one way or the other.
“As a government, we stand with the people of Ikire in this difficult moment, and assure them of our commitment to support them overcome the challenges posed by the incident.
“Before this incident, our government had taken flood prevention steps, which include expanding water ways and opening up water channels to ensure free-flow of water to avert flooding.
“We will intensify efforts in this regard and ensure that we guide against the kind of experience seen in Ikire.
“I have already directed the Commissioner of Environment to address the root cause of the flooding so as to forestall future occurrence.
“The people of Osun can be rest assured that we are doing everything possible to tackle flooding in the state.”
The governor urged the people of Ikire and Osun State as a whole not to panic as his government will be mobilizing necessary resources to confront the challenge and keep them and their properties safe.
He enjoined the people of the state to stop the practice of dumping refuse on water ways and shun other factors that could cause flooding.
Properties worth millions of Naira had been destroyed as a massive flood swept Ikire, the headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area of the state, on Saturday.
It was gathered that a torrential downpour witnessed in the community led to the flooding which reportedly caused serious havoc on the residents of the community
The rain reportedly started around 8am on Saturday and lasted several hours.
Affected areas in the town include Oja-Ale, Atoto, Naira and Kobo Junction, Fulani, Mateba, UNIOSUN Road, and Campus area among many others.
The flood was reported to have sacked over 100 residents, shops, hostels, destroyed farmlands and killed livestock among other things.
Some personal effects and belongings of the victims including buses, clothing and other valuables were sighted floating on the water, as residents struggled to save their wards from drowning.
The youths of the town were mobilised to avert extreme damage as many of them were seen scooping water from affected houses.
Vehicular movement of people going and coming from Ibadan to Osogbo were brought to a halt.
Passengers were stranded on the expressway as they urged relevant government authorities to rise to the occasion and save lives before the situation worsened.
