On Wednesday, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji said no one was killed in the Tuesday evening flood in Ado Ekiti, the capital city.
After hours of heavy rain on Tuesday, the Ureje Bridge area along Polytechnic Road, Eminrin Estate, Ilupeju Avenue, Elemi, Ita Eku, Basiri, and others in the capital city flooded.
Oyebanji, accompanied by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye and other government officials, visited the Ureje Bridge area to assess the extent of the damage.
Oyebanji, who regretted the flood damage, said his government would develop life-saving measures to reduce property damage in floodways.
A viral video suggested some people were swept away, and the state suspected some drowned in the floodwater.
The governor replied, “Our people should discount the rumor that five people died. No such thing happened. According to sources, divers saved the victims. Thus, our people shouldn’t worry.
This government aggressively dredged Ureje and Elemi rivers early this year to prevent flooding. We channeled many Ado Ekiti drainages. Without proactive actions, the wreckage could have been worse and more destructive.
Our thoughts are with those affected by the flooding. My government won’t leave. We’ll resolve all your issues quickly. Governor Biodun Oyebanji prioritizes public welfare, so we will help you.
Oyebanji warned Ekiti residents against recklessly dumping refuse and sewages in canals and building on waterways, which were worsening flooding.
Diver Chief Kolawole Falajiki explained that the victims were saved while being washed away by water at Ureje Bridge.
Falajiki said, “Nobody died. We saved everyone caught in the flood. Over 800 commuters were trapped at Ureje bank. They confirm my claim that nobody died.”
Tayo Olawuyi, Rasheed Akanbi, and Alhaji Shine Salami, who spoke for other Ureje and Eminrin Estate residents, urged the government to blast the huge rocks in Ureje River to allow water to flow.
Olawuyi suggested using concrete to channel water downslope. Permanent solutions to the challenge”.
The residents thanked the state government for dredging the river earlier in the year, saying the chaos could have been worse.
