The Ogun State Government has advised residents living along riverbanks and low-lying areas to brace up for possible flooding following an expected overflow of the Ogun River between October 20 and November 3.
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 Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, noting that 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.
According to Oresanya, “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.”
He further advised 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.
Oresanya explained that as part of preventive measures, the state government had continued to dredge and expand tributaries of the Ogun River to reduce the impact of flooding. He added that this effort was being carried out in partnership with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, which manages the Oyan Dam and ensures that water is released in a controlled manner throughout the year.
The commissioner urged residents not to panic, assuring that the flood levels would subside within 10 days. He also advised fish farmers in the affected zones to harvest their fish early to prevent losses that may result from the overflow.
