Rainstorm tragedy: Three missing in Ado-Ekiti, as flood submerges Akure roads
By Kemi Aina
Tragedy struck Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, as three people were reportedly swept away by torrential rainfall that caused severe flooding across several parts of the city.
The downpour, which lasted for several hours, sent large volumes of floodwater through major roads and residential areas, raising fresh concerns over flooding and the safety of residents during the rainy season.
Some civil servants were reportedly trapped in their offices as the situation became increasingly dangerous, with floodwaters rising rapidly and making movement difficult for residents.
Areas affected by the flooding included Aayemi Garage, Elemi, Ureje, Odo-Ado, Faglo, Poly Road and New Iyin Road.
The three people reportedly swept away by the rushing water were said to include an elderly woman, a woman and an Okada rider.
In a separate incident, a middle-aged man, who was reportedly intoxicated, was rescued by hundreds of people who had been trapped by the flood while he attempted to cross the fast-flowing water.
As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders and community members were making efforts to locate the missing persons.
Residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution during heavy rainfall, particularly in flood-prone areas, and to avoid attempting to cross roads or waterways covered by fast-moving floodwater.
The incident has also renewed calls for improved drainage infrastructure and stronger flood-management measures across Ado-Ekiti.
Residents in flood-prone communities have been advised to move to higher ground whenever flooding begins and avoid putting themselves at risk by attempting to cross rapidly flowing water.
Meanwhile, in Ondo State, some passengers and commercial motorcyclists narrowly escaped death in Akure, the state capital, following heavy rainfall that lasted throughout the day.
Our source gathered that some motorcyclists were seen around the Oke-Aro axis watching helplessly as floodwaters swept away their motorcycles while they ran for safety.
Many workers and students were also reportedly stranded for several hours as the flooding disrupted movement across parts of the city.
Residents attributed the flooding in some areas to the ongoing construction of the Akure-Idanre Road, which they said commenced more than one and a half years ago.
They appealed to the Ondo State Government to urgently intervene and ensure the completion of the road project, in line with the commitment reportedly made by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa during his recent inspection of the project.
The residents said completing the project would help address some of the challenges associated with the persistent flooding and ease movement along the affected corridor.
