Ogun warns 40 flood-prone communities to relocate

Elevated flooding risk across 28 states and the FCT this year

The government in Ogun has advised residents in 40 communities across 10 local government areas to relocate after prediction of impending flooding in the affected areas.

The 40 communities are spread across 10 local government areas: Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ifo, Obafemi Owode, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ado-Odo/Ota, Yewa South, Ogun Waterside and Ogun East.

Mitigate effects of flood on Nigerians

Flood: FG places, FCT, 28 states on red alert

The 2020 seasonal rainfall prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency lists Ogun among states prone to flooding.

In total, it puts 28 states and the FCT on high alert for flooding this year.

Ogun commissioner for environment Abiodun Abudu said some residents of the listed communities have built their homes on waterways, increasing their proneness to flooding.

“The fact that they are living in flood prone areas does not make them less important,” he said in talks with journalists.

“Whether they are living on illegal structures or not, we shall continue to make sure that government protect them. That is why we are saying that yes, they might have done things that are wrong but because your lives are very important to the government, leave these flood prone areas.

“But that’s not to say those structures will not go. Those structures will give way,” Abudu – Balogun said.