By Idowu Adebomi
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ekiti State Command, has urged residents of flood-prone communities across the state to remain calm but strictly observe safety measures, following widespread flooding that has damaged roads, disrupted traffic, and reportedly swept away three persons.
The command said it had deployed personnel from its Disaster and Emergency Management Unit to some of the worst-hit areas to cordon off dangerous locations, sensitize residents and motorists, and prevent further loss of lives and property.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Akinwumi Jegede, disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti after an inspection tour of several flood-affected locations, including Elemi Bridge, Afao Bridge, and Ayemi Bridge, where heavy downpours caused significant damage and left residents stranded.
At Elemi Bridge, floodwater overflowed its banks, damaging portions of the road and causing a heavy traffic gridlock. The NSCDC team engaged residents and warned them against violating environmental regulations, particularly the construction of structures on waterways and other areas that could obstruct the free flow of water.
The team also visited Afao Bridge, where the force of the flood had reportedly caused the bridge to collapse, effectively dividing the road and cutting off vehicular movement between Ado-Ekiti and Afao communities.
Jegede said the command was concerned about the development and had taken immediate steps to restrict access to dangerous sections of the affected roads.
“In Afao, the bridge has totally collapsed, which has made traffic stop, and people can no longer access their homes in the two different communities. But as an agency that prioritizes the protection of lives, assets, and infrastructure, we are here. We have deployed our men from the Crisis and Disaster Department to cordon off the affected areas and dangerous parts worst hit by the flood and to warn motorists and residents alike of the impending danger,” Jegede said.
He added that the NSCDC was working with other relevant emergency and security agencies to protect residents and minimize the impact of the disaster.
“We are here to sensitize people and work in collaboration with other sister agencies to ensure people are protected,” he said.
Speaking on reports that three persons had been swept away by the flood, the NSCDC spokesman said the command had received reports of the incident but could not independently confirm the number of casualties because its personnel were not eyewitnesses.
“Yes, we heard about the sad and unfortunate incident, but sometimes the authenticity of those videos cannot be verified. Be that as it may, we are here to ensure no further loss of lives and that people are aware of the dangers and risks. That is why we have taped the bad portions to serve as a warning to residents and motorists alike,” Jegede said.
However, eyewitness accounts from residents painted a grim picture of the flood and its impact on communities.
A resident, Comrade Niyi Ayodele, said some people were feared to have lost their lives around Elemi Bridge after the flood overflowed its banks.
Ayodele said he personally saw two motorcycles in the river after the water began to recede, while several residents had been forced out of their homes by the flood.
“When the water started receding, I saw two motorcycles in the river myself. The flood has sent many people packing from their homes, and some can no longer access their homes, with properties destroyed,” he said.
He appealed to the state government to find a permanent solution to the recurring flooding, noting that residents had continued to suffer the consequences every year.
At Afao, where the bridge linking the community with Ado-Ekiti collapsed, residents said the situation had made movement extremely difficult, with no vehicular traffic along the affected route.
A resident, Tayo, said residents had resorted to carrying people on their backs to cross some sections of the affected area.
“We are now left with no option than to carry people on our backs to cross. There is no vehicular movement. We are appealing to Governor Abayomi Oyebanji to please come to our aid and do something fast about this situation because, as it stands, there is no alternative route,” Tayo said.
At Ayemi Garage, another commuter whose vehicle reportedly broke down as a result of the flood gave an account of the incident in which two people were allegedly swept away.
According to him, between 10 and 12 people were attempting to cross the bridge when a truck passed through the flooded section, pushing a surge of water toward them.
“It was horrible. About 10 to 12 people were holding themselves, trying to cross the bridge, but a truck which drove past them pushed the water, and two people lost their balance and were swept away by the ravaging flood. Till now, we are yet to see them,” he said.
The reported incident, alongside the destruction of Afao Bridge and damage to roads around Elemi and other locations, has heightened concerns among residents over recurring flooding in parts of Ekiti State.
The NSCDC urged residents to avoid attempting to cross flooded bridges, roads, and waterways, particularly where water currents are strong, and advised motorists to stay away from sections cordoned off by emergency personnel.
The command also reiterated the need for residents to comply with environmental regulations and desist from building on waterways or engaging in activities capable of obstructing natural drainage channels, stressing that public safety requires cooperation between residents, government agencies, and emergency responders.