Residents of Araromi-Ilugun-Itoko and six other communities in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State staged a protest on Monday to draw attention to the deplorable state of the road connecting their communities and a significant gully erosion threatening their homes.
The protesters in Abeokuta, carried placards with messages such as “Gov Dapo Abiodun come to our aid at Araromi-Ilugun-Itoko” and “We can’t afford another rainfall under this condition.”
The residents raised concerns about an imminent flooding disaster and landslides that could affect approximately 50 houses if the gully erosion issue is not addressed before the next rainy season.
The affected communities include Araromi Ilugun-Itoko, Victory Estate, Surulere, Peaceland, Ilugun Central, Sunshine Estate, and Abata CDA.
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The Chairman of the Araromi-Ilugun-Itoko Community Development Association, Mr. Okuneye Alaba Ezekiel, explained that the gully erosion problem began around June of the outgoing year and has become a serious threat to the communities’ foundation.
He emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, particularly in constructing drainage systems to channel water away from the area.
Residents appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Federal Ministry of Environment to address the issue before the next rainy season, expressing fears of significant consequences if prompt action is not taken.
They called for the construction of a substantial drainage system to mitigate the impact of the gully erosion.
The residents noted that economic activities in the area were already affected, and they pleaded for assistance to prevent the loss of lives and properties.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr Lekan Adeniran, when contacted on the issue, directed inquiries to the Commissioner for Works, Engr Ade Akinsanya, who is responsible for matters related to the demands of the residents.
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