… Cars swept away, houses submerged
From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
It was a gruelling experience for many residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday, when an early morning rain wreaked havoc in many parts of the city.
Daily Sun gathered that many rivers and streams overflowed across the city, and many houses and cars were submerged in flood. Some of the affected areas are Wofun, Kute, Akobo, Idi-Ape, Gbekuba, Apata, Omi Adio, Orogun and Bodija.
It was learnt that some cars were carried away by the flood and millions of property destroyed with many houses submerged by flood. At least, eight houses were reportedly submerged at Wofun, in Olodo area of Ibadan.
The rain, which started at about 4:00a.m and lasted about five hours, held many people hostage in their houses and on the roads. Many roads were flooded, making people to make a detour or wait till the flood subsided before they continued their journey.
A visit to Oyo State Government Secretariat at about 10:00am showed that many workers resumed late yesterday, just as many markets did not open early due to the downpour.
Witnesses said four motorcycles were swept off by the flood at Onipepeye River along Old Ife Road. The river at Orogun was said to have overflown the bridge and deluge of water entered into many houses and a church at the Orogun Junction along Ojoo-UI Road.
Sources said a pregnant woman was rescued in the flood at Orogun Junction by men of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) while several others who were alleged to have been trapped inside the church were also rescued.
At Idi Ape area, a tree fell on the road and caused gridlock. The situation forced motorists to make detour to other routes.
Reports from Yawuri, in Akobo, said residents of the area have raised the alarm that the flood in the community was caused by a shop which was newly-constructed on the Waterway. They appealed to the Ministry of Environment in the state to remove the shop.