Residents of Molarere, Idi-Iroko area in Moniya, Ibadan, have cried out to the state and local government as well as relevant emergency agencies for urgent intervention following a devastating flood triggered by heavy rainfall in the community.
The downpour, which lasted for several hours from early hours of Monday midnight into the morning, reportedly submerged roads and pathways, making movement difficult for residents, commuters and schoolchildren struggling to access neighboring areas.
Eyewitnesses described the situation as pathetic, noting that people were forced to wade through heavily flooded passages to reach the other side of the community.
According to residents who spoke with Westernmirror.com.ng, the floodwater has not only cut off access routes but has also exposed hidden dangers beneath the water.
They lamented that sharp thorns and dangerous objects buried inside the flooded paths have continued to injure people attempting to cross.
A resident who spoke with our correspondent said many people sustained injuries on their legs while trying to navigate the waterlogged area to their workplaces and businesses.
“We are suffering here. People cannot pass freely because the whole place is flooded. Inside the water, there are hard thorns that puncture people’s legs.
Children and elderly people are the most affected and as you can see under the bridge is gradually becoming a possible hideout for criminal elements if this thick bushes are not cleared off,” the resident said.
The residents further appealed to the government to urgently construct proper drainage channels and rehabilitate affected roads in the area to prevent recurring flooding whenever heavy rain occurs.
They warned that if immediate action is not taken, the continued flooding could lead to severe health challenges, environmental hazards and possible loss of lives and property.
Some community members also expressed fears that the stagnant floodwater could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and waterborne diseases.
As of the time of filing this report, residents were still battling to move through the affected area, while no official response had been issued by relevant authorities regarding the incident.