Quote from Alex bobby on July 8, 2025, 8:36 AM

Flood Wreaks Havoc in Ondo Communities: Victims Cry for Government Intervention
As torrential rainfall devastates towns across Ondo State, residents demand urgent action to prevent further destruction.

Over the weekend, a heavy downpour lasting three consecutive days—Friday through Sunday—unleashed widespread flooding across several communities in Ondo State, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The affected areas, spanning Owo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Ese Odo Local Government Areas, are now grappling with the aftermath of what residents describe as one of the worst floods in recent memory.

Buildings have collapsed, personal belongings have been destroyed, roads and bridges submerged, and hundreds of residents rendered homeless. From Uso to Ayeka, Ikoya, Igbodigo, Igodan, and Igbotako, the damage is extensive, with properties reportedly worth millions of Naira lost to the disaster.

Voices from the Flood Zones

In Okitipupa, Mr. Joshua Jemiloni is one of many who barely escaped with his life and family. Recounting the terrifying experience, he said, “The flooding was caused by erosion flowing down from Igodan. The stream along the road also overflowed its banks. About ten buildings were affected in our area alone.”

Mr. Jemiloni described how, during the downpour, walls began to cave in and water levels rose rapidly. In a bid to survive, he, his wife, and their children fled to a neighbour’s house. By the time the waters receded, most of their possessions—including electronics, bedding, clothing, furniture, and kitchenware—had been swept away.

He blamed the blocked canal near the community for the disaster. “Although the canal was dredged earlier this year, it’s now filled with debris. That blockage worsened the flooding,” he added, pleading with the government to return and dredge the canal more effectively.

A similar cry for help came from Igbodigo, where community leader Lawrence Awanebi described the destruction as overwhelming. “Many residents have been rendered homeless,” he said. “We’re urging the government to come to our aid immediately. People have no shelter, food, or basic amenities.”

Mrs. Stella Ojo, a market trader in the area, lamented the loss of homes and livelihoods. “Some houses have completely collapsed or been washed away,” she said. “If nothing is done, this flooding will continue to ruin lives every year. We need lasting solutions.”

Government Response So Far

In response to the disaster, the Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, appealed to both the Ondo State and Federal Governments for immediate assistance. “The damage is beyond what we at the local level can manage,” he said. “We need support from NEMA, SEMA, and other emergency response agencies to help our people rebuild and recover.”

At the state level, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. In a recent statement, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating flooding through infrastructure improvements and policy enforcement.

“As a government, we shall continue with initiatives that will reduce the effects of floods and other natural disasters by dredging our waterways and enforcing environmental sanitation laws,” Governor Aiyedatiwa stated. According to him, plans are already in motion to scale up dredging across flood-prone areas of the state and improve drainage systems to reduce the risk of future disasters.

However, for many of the affected residents, words and promises are no longer enough. There is growing frustration that despite repeated appeals and recurring floods, very little has changed on the ground.

The Need for Long-Term Solutions

The root causes of Ondo’s flooding problems are multifaceted—poor drainage infrastructure, blocked canals, unregulated building practices, and environmental degradation all play a role. Experts say that while emergency relief is necessary, long-term solutions must be prioritised.

“Flooding in Ondo State is now a yearly tragedy,” said environmental analyst Dr. Tunde Akintola. “Unless the government commits to consistent maintenance of canals, proper urban planning, and public education on waste disposal, these disasters will keep happening.”

Dr. Akintola also stressed the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local governments. “Flood management is not a one-tier responsibility. It requires coordination across all levels of government and the active participation of communities.”

Looking Forward

As communities across Ondo State begin the difficult process of recovery, the focus must now shift from emergency response to long-term resilience. Flooding has become a predictable threat during the rainy season, and without proactive planning, each year will bring fresh devastation. Looking ahead, it’s essential that the state and federal governments prioritise sustainable infrastructure projects—like regular canal dredging, improved drainage systems, and urban planning reforms—alongside stronger enforcement of environmental regulations. Most importantly, the voices of affected residents must be heard and included in shaping disaster prevention strategies. The future of Ondo’s communities depends not just on rebuilding what was lost, but on building smarter, safer, and stronger for the storms to come.

Conclusion

The recent floods in Ondo State have exposed once again the urgent need for sustainable flood control and disaster preparedness. For the families who have lost their homes, belongings, and livelihoods, time is of the essence. While the state government has promised continued efforts to dredge waterways and enforce sanitation laws, what’s needed now is swift and visible action.

As the rains continue, residents across Owo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Ese Odo can only hope that their cries do not fall on deaf ears. For them, survival is no longer just about weathering the storm—but ensuring that when the waters come again, they’ll be ready.

Meta Description:
Heavy rainfall causes severe flooding in Ondo State, damaging homes and displacing residents. Affected communities call for urgent intervention as officials promise dredging and disaster control measures.