A severe landslide struck the agrarian community of Iwaro Oka Akoko in Akoko South West local government area of Ondo State over the weekend, causing widespread panic among residents.
The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall, swept away farmlands and food crops, forcing many residents to flee for safety.
Residents of the town have appealed to the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led government to urgently save the community from being washed away by erosion amid torrential rainfall.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the residents woke up to a massive landslide that swept away their farmlands and food crops.
According to them, the situation was causing panic among residents, who are mostly engaged in farming as well as motorists plying the route.
The government, through the local government chairman, Hon. Ayo Ajana, has urged residents living in the area to evacuate and relocate temporarily for their own safety.
However, some residents were seen in a video demanding urgent attention from the state government, the State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
A native of the community, Olaiye Akinsola, disclosed that the community had never experienced such devastation in its history, adding that they now live in palpable fear since the landslide occurred.
He said, “The landslide is surprising because we have never experienced anything like this before, and it is creating fear among residents. Within a few days of the rain, a large area used for farming caved in.
“Since it happened, we have been having sleepless nights because we don’t know its effect on nearby houses and facilities. Motorists who ply the road now drive with fear, and our farmers can’t go to their farms again. We are begging our governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to come to our aid.”
Also, a resident, Folayemi Aderibigbe, expressed fear that the community might be cut off if the government and authorities did not come to their rescue.
He said, “We are calling the attention of the emergency agencies to the place. The people are scared, I must confess. The area where the incident happened is the road that leads to Iwaro Oka if you are going to Oke Oka in Akoko.
“We are begging for urgent attention because we don’t want our roads cut off by landslides. The road also leads to Abuja. So, it’s not just about the community but also others who use this route to other states and cities.”
A community leader who identified himself as Chief Adeleye told our reporter that a team from the local government council had already visited the scene to assess the situation.
He added, “The fear is that if the rain continues, it may take a large chunk of the community away. So, we need help, and we have informed the local government chairman and his officials who visited.”
When contacted on Sunday, chairman of Akoko South Local Government Area, Ayo Ajana, explained that efforts were being made to address the concerns of the residents.
Ajana said residents living close to the landslide area had already been advised to relocate until the situation is resolved by the authorities.
He said, “We have called the attention of the state government to the incident, and we shall be writing to emergency agencies, including FERMA, to inform them officially about the situation in the area.
“With all coordinated efforts, quick action is expected to salvage the situation, particularly the road. We have advised residents living in the area to temporarily relocate for their own safety until permanent relief is provided.
“A team from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure visited the local government to assess the situation and suspected that a portion of the road may have been compromised. It seems a bridge passing through the location, due to the heavy and incessant rainfall, caused underground erosion leading to the landslide.”
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