By Salifu Faridat
Ekiti State faced a calamitous event as the Ureje River overflowed its banks, resulting from relentless rainfall in the state capital, Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday evening.
The unrelenting downpour, lasting approximately five hours, led to the submersion of numerous residences and commercial establishments.
The heavy flooding, stemming from the torrential rainfall, inundated vehicles and buildings along Federal Polytechnic Road, leaving behind a trail of destruction in the area.
Tragically, during the crisis, five individuals narrowly escaped the threat of drowning. They were attempting to navigate a heavily-flooded bridge into the town when they were suddenly swept away by the powerful currents.
Moreover, commuters traveling to and from Ado Ekiti, as well as those journeying out of the capital to other destinations, found themselves trapped for several hours. They patiently awaited the receding of the floodwaters before they could safely proceed.
The consequences of this catastrophe were exacerbated by a substantial traffic gridlock that stretched from the Ureje Bridge to Saint Paul’s Anglican Church at Odo Ado, Ado Ekiti, covering a distance of approximately two and a half kilometers.
An eyewitness in Ado Ekiti reported that the swift actions of some Hausa divers played a critical role in averting a potential tragedy. These divers, who happened to be near the flooded bridge, rushed to the aid of those in distress, particularly the elderly who were struggling to cross the hazardous waters.
Describing the incident, the eyewitness stated, “The five victims were struggling to cross the bridge amidst the high and turbulent water levels when they were abruptly overwhelmed and carried away by the swift currents. People at the far end of the bridge promptly sounded the alarm, attracting the prompt response of the Hausa divers who courageously leaped into the river to rescue them.”
In addition to the perilous situations faced by individuals, the flood caused extensive property damage in various areas, including Emirin Estate, Adebayo, Ita Eku, and Ilupeju Avenue.
Several buildings, along with cars parked in proximity, bore the brunt of the flooding. Notably, a block industry and a nearby church were entirely submerged by the rising waters.
In Emirin Estate alone, approximately ten buildings sustained damage, leading to substantial losses for occupants, valued at millions of naira.
Mrs. Julianah Ajulo, one of the victims, disclosed that her family incurred losses exceeding N3 million due to the flooding. She made an impassioned appeal to the government for assistance in alleviating their distressing circumstances.