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Seven feared dead as rain wrecks havoc in Ibadan
From GBENGA ADESUYI, Ibadan
Rain fell from late on Sunday evening and ceased to stop till Monday, thereby leaving residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to count their losses.
The downpour, which was reminiscent of the August 26, 2011 flood disaster, resulted in the death of at least seven persons across the city.
Area worse hit was Oluyole area of the city.
Other areas where the impact of the flood was felt included Arapaja, Akala new extension and Lao hospital.
The downpour also created heavy traffic snarl in major parts of the city, especially Mokola, Agbarigo, Onireke, Dugbe and Apata.
Some residents of the affected area, it was gathered, have started relocating for fear of been washed away by the flood.
It was gathered that some people in Oluyole area fell into a collapsed bridge that was covered by the flood from the heavy downpour.
In the same area, it was gathered that a man who attempted crossing the road was also washed away.
Some commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators, who were not aware that the bridge had caved in, also fell into the flood and were swept away.
A source at the state Fire Service department confirmed the development.
The source however could confirm only two deaths.
The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olabisi Ilobanafor, said the police was informed of the death of an old man, an okada rider and his passenger.
Several efforts made to contact the Chairman of the Caretaker Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Ayodeji Abass, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.
As at the time of filing this report, the rain was still drizzling.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration had embarked on the dredging of most rivers in the city and construction of drainage in order to avoid a repeat of August 26, 2011 flood disaster in the state, which led to several deaths.
Sun.

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