A heavy rainfall which wreaked havoc in Iloko-Ijesa, a community in Osun State, on Monday, has forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes.
Also, as a result of the rainfall, traders have been counting their losses in the wake of widespread destruction.
Newsmen gathered that no casualties were recorded in the torrential downpour which lasted for more than two hours.
Numerous houses, shops and kiosks in the community were submerged by the flood which followed the rain, with goods such as cassava, garri and beans, worth several millions of Naira, washed away.
Residents said the rain affected commercial areas in Iloko-Ijesa, including Oke Adura.
“Osowusi Muslim Commercial High School was also affected. The principal’s office and nearby residences were affected.
“It extended to Ilesa Road, where a newly constructed event center collapsed, along with the Redeemed Christian Church of God premises on Ayara Street and L. A Primary School in Iloko-Ijesa,” a resident said.
Pastor Olusola, husband to one of the affected traders, narrates that he received a distress call from his wife, urging him to salvage goods from their shop before it was submerged by the flood.
He said, “Many other market vendors faced similar predicaments, hastily evacuating their merchandise but still incurring significant losses.”
Osunkeye Florence, another affected trader, lamented the limited time available to salvage goods, leading to substantial losses.
Reacting to the development, the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe, conveyed heartfelt sympathies to those affected by the calamity.
Ogungbagbe emphasised the necessity of documenting damages for official assessment and assistance.
Anticipating government intervention, Ogungbangbe said, “I urge affected households and businesses to document the extent of the destruction through photographic evidence.”
He also stressed the importance of cooperation during official inspections.
Assuring steadfast support, the monarch pledged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and government agencies to expedite recovery efforts.
