The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed his sympathy with the people of Ikire on the flood disaster that wreaked havoc in the western part of the state, assuring them of quick response in addressing the situation.
The Governor in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said his administration has previously embarked on prevention actions and initiatives, citing the massive rainfall as the cause of the sad event.
He said his administration has activated emergency measures to rescue people and livelihoods hugely impacted by the flooding, assuring victims of the incident that the government will do all in its capacity to support them.
“It is touching to learn about the monumental damages the flood has caused 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,” the statement reads in part.
“I want to, on behalf of the State Government, convey my 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 has taken flood prevention steps, which includes expanding waterways and opening up water channels to ensure free-flow of water to avoid 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.”
Governor Adeleke urged the people of Ikire and Osun as a whole not to panic as his government will be mobilizing every resources to confront the challenge and keep them and their properties safe, enjoining people of the state to stop the practice of dumping refuse on water ways among other factors that could cause flooding.
It would be recalled, that properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed as massive flood hits Ikire, the headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, on Saturday
Our correspondent gathered that a torrential downpour witnessed in the community led to the flooding which reportedly caused serious havoc on the residents of the community
According to reports, the rain started around 8am on Saturday and lasted several hours.
The affected areas in the town include; Oja-Ale, Atoto, Naira and Kobo junction, Fulani, Mateba, UNIOSUN Road, Campus area and many others.
The flood was reported to have sacked more than 100 residents, shops, hostels, destroyed farmlands and killed livestock among other things.
Some personal effects and belongings of the victims including busses, 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 gets worse.
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