Two men reportedly lost their lives at Bethel Estate in Oba-Ile area of Akure South local government area of Ondo state.
They lost their lives as a result of the heavy downpour which took place in the community for several hours on Saturday.
The two men who were fishermen reportedly lost their lives while fishing beside a river in the community when they were swept off by the flood.
Also, properties worth several millions of naira were destroyed by the flood which was caused by the marathon heavy downpour that took place in the community on Saturday.
Homes, shops, offices and other landed properties were visited by the massive flood. Major roads were blocked which made vehicular movement impossible for several hours. A link bridge in one of the affected areas was swept away by the flood.
According to the Chairman of Bethel Estate, Otunba Akin Akinbode, two lives was lost to a similar flood last year and the tragic incident has been repeated this year because of the inadequate passages for water in the community.
He said “Last year, two rice farmers lost their lives to the flood, two days ago, the flood claimed two other victims who were fishing beside the river on Saturday. We always fear for our children and other residents whenever it starts to rain.”
He revealed that the community had spent a lot of money on finding solutions to the problem but could not solve it on their own. He also appealed to the Ondo state government to help save residents of the community from the flood by providing needed assistance.
“So far, the community has spent N30 million for the past four years without results. We need urgent government assistance to save residents in this community from avoidable danger.”
Ondo state Acting Governor, Honourable Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who visited the affected places promised that the government will take needed steps to bring succor to the affected people. He also called on residents to avoid the indiscriminate dumping of waste into streams or rivers in order to ensure free flow of water in the communities.
