The Ogun state government has asked residents living along riverbanks and wetlands to relocate following the anticipated overflow of the Ogun River between October 20 and November 3.
In a statement on Monday, Ola Oresanya, commissioner for environment, said the advisory was part of the government’s early warning system aimed at reducing the impact of seasonal flooding across the state.
Oresanya added that the rising water level would result from the controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam, triggered by heavy rainfall in the northern part of the country.
“Communities likely to be affected include Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta such as Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo,” the statement reads.
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“The expected overflow would result from the controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam, compounded by heavy rainfall from the northern region increasing inflow into the reservoir.
“The rising volume of water reaching the dam will make it necessary to release some of it in a controlled manner.
“Residents in these areas should take precautions to safeguard their lives and property.”
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“Residents near the riverbanks to steer clear of the watercourse, while those in wetlands should relocate to higher grounds or elevate their buildings temporarily, as the overflow is expected to be inevitable during the period.”
The commissioner said the state government, in partnership with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), had been dredging channels and opening tributaries to reduce pressure on the river and minimise flooding.
He enjoined residents of the areas listed not to panic, assuring them that the tide would go down in about 10 days, as the mitigating measures by the state government cannot stop the activities of nature.
Oresanya also advised fish farmers in the affected areas to harvest their produce early to avoid potential losses.
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