Heavy rainfall has triggered severe flooding across parts of Ekiti, Ondo and Edo states, leaving residents counting their losses and raising concerns over the safety of communities affected by rising floodwaters.
In Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, one person is feared dead after hours of torrential rainfall overwhelmed roads, homes and businesses across several parts of the city.
Areas including Afao Road, Adebayo, Ilawe Road and Poly Road were badly affected, while buildings around the Ureje River and other flood-prone locations were reportedly submerged.
The flooding also caused significant damage to businesses. Several shops were inundated, while tables, merchandise and other goods were reportedly swept away by the rushing water, leaving traders stranded and facing substantial financial losses.
Man Swept Away in Ado-Ekiti Flood
For Favour Mary, the heavy rainfall ended in tragedy after her husband, 35-year-old Ibrahim Mandella, failed to return home.
Mary said she spoke with Mandella twice at about 10:45 p.m. while he was preparing to return home from Adehun, where he had stopped during the downpour. He reportedly sent her N4,500 for dinner and promised to return shortly.
However, by about 4:00 a.m., Mandella was still missing.
His remains were later discovered near the highway around the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries junction in Adehun, after he was reportedly swept away while attempting to cross fast-moving floodwater beneath a narrow bridge.
His brother, Dauda Daniel, said Mandella had told people around him that he believed he could make it across before the current suddenly carried him away.
Mandella, a native of Zacaba Local Council Area of Kebbi State, had been working in Ekiti before the incident.
There were also unconfirmed reports of a woman being swept into a drainage channel during the flooding. Witnesses reportedly saw her struggling against the strong current while people nearby shouted for help. However, the dangerous conditions prevented them from reaching her, and her whereabouts remained unknown at the time of the report.
Floods Cause Havoc in Akure
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in Akure, the Ondo State capital, also caused widespread flooding, erosion and blocked drainage channels, leaving passengers, workers, students and commercial motorcycle operators stranded.
The Oke Aro axis was reportedly among the worst affected areas. Several Okada operators watched as floodwaters swept away their motorcycles while they ran to safety.
Many workers and students were also stranded for hours as the rainfall persisted across the metropolis.
Residents blamed part of the worsening situation on the ongoing construction and dualisation of the Akure-Idanre Road, which they said has lasted for more than one and a half years.
Residents called on the Ondo State Government to urgently intervene, clear blocked waterways and improve drainage around the affected areas.
A resident of Iloro Market Junction, Nireti Akinbolawa, said residents had become increasingly worried whenever rainfall began, urging authorities to clear and widen bridges and drainage channels to allow floodwater to flow freely.
Residents also appealed to members of the public to stop dumping refuse in drainage channels, waterways and roadsides, warning that blocked waterways could worsen flooding.
Motorists and pedestrians were similarly advised to avoid attempting to cross flooded roads when the depth and condition of the water are unknown.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, said the situation was still being assessed and that the state government would take necessary action.
Ojirami Dam Overflow Floods Edo Community
In Edo State, residents of Enwan Community in Akoko-Edo Local Council Area have also been gripped by fear following the overflow of the nearby Ojirami Dam.
The dam reportedly overflowed after heavy rainfall on Sunday, sending floodwaters into Enwan and surrounding areas.
The Enwan-Igarra-Ososo Expressway was also flooded and reportedly became impassable to commuters.
Speaking about the situation, community leader Dr Agbadua Bamidele expressed concern over the worsening situation, warning that continued rainfall could result in large parts of the community being submerged.
The flooding across the three states has renewed concerns about drainage infrastructure, road construction, waste disposal and the risks posed by attempting to cross fast-moving floodwaters during periods of intense rainfall.