Metro
Father, Daughter, Three Others Die In Aboru Flood
Published By
PM NEWS Live
Date
21st June, 2012
Following the heavy rain that fell in some parts of Lagos State on Wednesday, at least five residents of Iyana Ipaja were swept away by flood.
The victims were reported to have been swept into a canal from three adjoining streets – Alabede, Akinola and Raji Rasaki in Oke-Odo area at about 6.20 p.m.
An unidentified father and daughter were said to have slipped into the canal while trying to navigate their way through the flood at Akinola Oju-Odo street.
Many others have been displaced by the flood with no hope of where to lay their heads.
P.M.NEWS reliably gathered that one of the affected buildings was said to belong to the popular Mrs. Abiola Atanda a.k.a. Madam Kofo, situated on Raji Rasaki Road but she has since abandoned the house after the floods of July 2011.
A resident who simply identified herself as Motunde Babajide pleaded with the Lagos State government to come to the rescue of the entire Aboru community.
In the same vein, the Iyana-Ipaja to Abule-Egba portion of the Lagos – Abeokuta Expressway was reportedly flooded, making it impossible for vehicles to pass through.
Commuters had to make a detour through Agege Motor Road in order to access Iyana-Ipaja.
Efforts have been made by the state government since the beginning of 2012 to prepare residents of the state ahead of the rainy season which the Meteorological Department predicted will be heavier this year.
Speaking with P.M.NEWS at his palace, High Chief Amos Adejare Akinola, Baale of Akinola Kingdom, Aboru, described the development as unfortunate.
“We saw the family of the deceased wailing after the rain stopped but we couldn’t stop them and start asking questions or the names of the victims. We just have to sympathise with them too because they are human beings.
“It is quite unfortunate that this development has destroyed a lot of families and properties. This is not the first time this is happening in this area. The rain that fell on July 14, 2011 claimed the life of almost 14 people. Since then our appeal to both the state and federal government to come to our aid has been fruitless.
“The flood coming from Suberu Oje in Alagbado, Abule Egba and its environs is seriously affecting us here. The flood has always been so much that it defy community efforts. We heard that the contract has been awarded. The contractor handling the job is not forthcoming.
“I want to appeal to our people too that they should stop dumping refuse indiscriminately in the canal. We would even appreciate it if the government can provide us with security agents that will arrest those dumping refuse in the canal so that it would serve as deterrent to others,” he said.
By Jamiu Yisa
Tags:
flood Heavy Rain
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