A devastating landslide has wreaked havoc in Iwaro Oka, an agrarian community in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, forcing residents to abandon their homes as panic spreads across the area.
The incident, which occurred over the weekend following intense rainfall, reportedly swept away farmlands and food crops, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Residents have now called on the state government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to come to their rescue as fears mount over further erosion and possible displacement.
RootedScopeMedia learnt that the affected area, home to mostly farmers and commuters, has become a source of concern, particularly due to the proximity of homes and the condition of the major access road linking the community to other parts of the state.
A resident, Olaiye Akinsola, who described the situation as unprecedented, said:“The landslide is surprising because we have never experienced anything like this before, and it is creating fear among residents. Within a few days of the rain, a large area used for farming caved in.
Since it happened, we have been having sleepless nights because we don’t know its effect on nearby houses and facilities. Motorists who ply the road now drive with fear, and our farmers can’t go to their farms again. We are begging our governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to come to our aid.”
“The landslide is surprising because we have never experienced anything like this before, and it is creating fear among residents. Within a few days of the rain, a large area used for farming caved in.
Since it happened, we have been having sleepless nights because we don’t know its effect on nearby houses and facilities. Motorists who ply the road now drive with fear, and our farmers can’t go to their farms again. We are begging our governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to come to our aid.”
Another resident, Folayemi Aderibigbe, also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation and warned that the community might soon be cut off.
“We are calling the attention of the emergency agencies to the place. The people are scared, I must confess. The area where the incident happened is the road that leads to Iwaro Oka if you are going to Oke Oka in Akoko. We are begging for urgent attention because we don’t want our roads cut off by landslides. The road also leads to Abuja. So, it’s not just about the community but also others who use this route to other states and cities.”
A traditional leader, Chief Adeleye, confirmed that the local government authorities had already visited the affected site to assess the level of damage.
“The fear is that if the rain continues, it may take a large chunk of the community away. So, we need help, and we have informed the local government chairman and his officials who visited,” he said.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday, the chairman of Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ayo Ajana, disclosed that residents living close to the landslide zone had been advised to vacate their homes temporarily.
“We have called the attention of the state government to the incident, and we shall be writing to emergency agencies, including FERMA, to inform them officially about the situation in the area.
With all coordinated efforts, quick action is expected to salvage the situation, particularly the road. We have advised residents living in the area to temporarily relocate for their own safety until permanent relief is provided,” Ajana stated.
He added that a preliminary inspection by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure pointed to a possible underground erosion triggered by a collapsed bridge structure, aggravated by persistent heavy downpours.
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