Silent Suffering: How Religious And Social Norms Shield Abusive Relationships

Lagos And Ogun Flood Affected Communities Demand Swift Government ActionSince the release of water from the Oyan Dam, many residents along the Lagos-Ogun border have been forced to flee their homes as floodwaters inundate their properties. They are now calling on the government to implement permanent solutions to this recurring crisis, as reported by VICTOR AYENI.

With despair etched on their faces, residents from Isheri, Arepo, Lafenwa, Warewa, and surrounding communities in Ogun State, as well as Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi-Ketu, Owode, and Ajegunle in Lagos State, scrambled to salvage what they could from the debris swept away by the rising waters.

Flooding in these low-lying areas is a constant threat, yet residents find themselves unprepared for the devastation that follows when riverbanks overflow. They face significant losses each time the waters rise.

Reports indicate that the flooding is often exacerbated by the release of water from the Oyan Dam, managed by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority. This release contributes to the swelling of the Ogun River through a network of 52 tributaries.

The route from Mile 12 to Ikorodu, which borders the Ogun River, is designated as a floodplain, yet many choose to reside there. Before this year’s water release, the Federal Government had initiated dredging of the Ogun River downstream to mitigate flood risks.

On October 3, Ayodeji Ashiru, Managing Director of OORBDA, explained that the water release was part of standard operations aimed at maintaining water levels and minimizing flood threats. However, on October 12, residents in Isheri noticed a dangerous rise in the river’s current, leading to widespread flooding.

By October 17, the Lagos State Government announced a collaboration with Ogun State to monitor the situation and address humanitarian needs, especially for vulnerable groups like women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

Yet, within a week, water levels surged alarmingly, forcing many to evacuate and abandon their belongings. The affected areas include Isheri, Riverview Estate, Oshorun Estate, OPIC Estate, Arepo, Mawere, Akute, Alagbole, Orimerunmu, and Magboro.

Some residents chose to stay behind, navigating the floodwaters in canoes or wading through the depths despite the dangers. There is an increasing demand for boat services in the area, with operators reportedly charging between N200 and N400 per trip.

For more information on this article and other related posts from Bushradiogist, please join our WhatsApp channel by clicking this link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaUumOODTkK7AZL1Fw3o. For advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a message to 090 1907 0863 on WhatsApp.