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Friday, October 8, 2010

Mile 12 Flood Victims Blame Ogun Govt

 Bennett Oghifo

Residents of Owode-Ajegunle  stretch of Ikorodu road have blamed the Ogun state government which , according to them , suddenly released water from the Adiyan dam without consideration for their safety.

The Ogun dam holds more than  its capacity of water during rainy seasons and water is released to prevent it from bursting and creating more havoc, officials explained.

Families devastated by the flood water built their homes on the flood planes bordering Ogun and Owutu rivers in Ogun and Lagos states.

The ugly development was anticipated by the Lagos state government which asked residents of Owode-Ajegunle and Agiliti among others,  to vacate these areas.

A resident, Mr. Sam Okoh, whose home was in knee deep water as at yesterday, said he would not leave because he spent his life savings to build his house, adding that he was retired.

Other families seen trying to salvage their furniture and suite cases, said their homes would not have been flooded if the dam water had been released gradually.

In 2008, residents of these areas took refuge in primary schools and were provided food and medicine by the Lagos state government and the Red Cross. However, it is still uncertain what the Lagos state government intends to do to assist these victims.

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