Tragedy was narrowly averted on Tuesday as five individuals narrowly escaped death on Ureje River in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State. The river overflowed its banks along Federal Polytechnic Road, Ado Ekiti, causing extensive damage to nearby structures.
The five individuals were reportedly traveling from the Ureje area when they encountered the heavily flooded bridge. Their attempts to cross the bridge were thwarted as they were swept away by the fast-flowing water, which carried them into the river’s valley.
An eyewitness in Ado Ekiti recounted the incident, stating that the victims, in danger of drowning, were fortunate to be rescued by Hausa divers who were stationed at the bridge to assist those attempting to cross the flooded area.
“The five victims were struggling to cross the bridge with the high and heavy tidal water level when suddenly they were washed away by water.
The people who were waiting at the far end of the bridge raised the alarm, which attracted the Hausa divers, who quickly jumped into the river to save them,” the eyewitness revealed.
The flood also wreaked havoc in several areas, including Eminrin Estate, Adebayo, Ita Eku, and Ilupeju Avenue, submerging buildings and causing damage to properties worth millions of naira. In Eminrin Estate alone, approximately ten buildings were affected, resulting in significant losses for the occupants.
One of the victims, Mrs. Julianah Ajulo, lamented that her family lost property valued at over N3 million due to the flood. She called upon the state government to intervene and alleviate their distressing situation.
“In fact, we were happy when Governor Biodun Oyebanji came to dredge Ureje River in Eminrin.
“We never knew we could witness this again. This is the third time in 10 years this will happen to us. We appeal to the state government to do something urgent about our situation. We are seriously pained by this incident,” she said.
Governor Oyebanji has expressed his commitment to implementing life-saving measures to protect residents and their properties from future flood incidents. During a visit to the affected areas, he assured the affected individuals that his government would address their concerns promptly.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, emphasized the government’s dedication to the welfare of the people and pledged swift action to assist those affected by the flooding.
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