Flood Ravages Ondo: Residents Cry Out As Homes Go Underwater

Several residents in Okitipupa, Ondo State, have been displaced after a relentless three-day downpour triggered massive flooding, submerging homes and disrupting everyday life.

A visit to the worst-hit parts of Okitipupa Local Government Area on Saturday showed scenes of devastation. Properties were damaged, streets were impassable, and many residents were left homeless. Areas most affected include the Okitipupa-Erinje axis, Omawa, Kuneyin, Apata, Igbodigo, and Ayeka — places largely without proper drainage systems.

Speaking to the reporters, affected residents described the situation as overwhelming and pleaded for urgent government action.

Mr. Ganiyu Akinfenwa, a resident of Erinje, lamented the long-standing drainage problem in the community.

“We have been appealing to the government for help in this axis to build drainage systems so that erosion can flow freely during downpour like we experienced for the last three-days,” he said.

In Apata, Mr. Tosin Akindolire shared similar concerns, describing how floodwaters poured into homes due to blocked drainages.

“In our own case, the drainages were blocked with nylons and plastic bottles causing the water to overflow into our houses,” he said. He appealed to the government to urgently clear the obstructions.

Mrs. Catherine Ebisemiju, a resident of Omawa, said many homes were affected and business activities came to a halt.

She explained that the intensity of the rain kept people indoors, making it impossible for traders and workers to go about their daily activities.

In Igbodigo, Chief Michael Orogbemi linked the worsening flood to ongoing road and drainage construction in the area.

“The ongoing construction of roads and drainage systems is affecting us as water overflow the constructed drainages and affecting our houses. We appeal to the government to expedite the construction and keep it on scheduled,” he said.

Confirming the situation, the Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, Mr. Andrew Ogunsakin, said the local council was aware of the flood’s impact and had begun assessments.

“We have visited affected areas and I can only assure residents of quick intervention in order to prevent flooding across Okitipupa and its environs,” Ogunsakin said.

He added that the council secretary had already visited the flood-ravaged communities and pledged that relief measures would follow shortly.