Flood overruns Benin-Ore Expressway, strands motorists

Commuters and motorists faced significant disruption on Thursday as flooding inundated a portion of the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway in Ondo State. The deluge, resulting from several hours of heavy rainfall, submerged the road in the Ore corridor of Odigbo Local Government Area, leading to a complete traffic logjam.

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The traffic logjam on the expressway was too much today. The road had been taken over by flood, while some motorists who knew another route passed through the Okitipupa-Akinfosile-Omotosho road, which is a very long journey. Some travellers were stranded and were lamenting.

Residents reported that the expressway was impassable, forcing many drivers to take a much longer alternative route via Okitipupa-Omotosho. The flooding also affected several communities, including parts of Ondo town, Odigbo, Irele, Ode-Aye, and Igbokoda. Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed, with numerous vehicles and houses submerged. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported in the incident.

One resident described the experience as traumatic, calling for urgent government intervention to address the recurring issue. The affected communities have appealed to the state government and relevant agencies to find lasting solutions to the perennial flooding that plagues the area during the rainy season.

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Everyone was stuck. No one imagined that this highway would be this affected by floods. An urgent intervention is needed before more havoc is wreaked.

In response, the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tob Loko, expressed regret over the incident. He stated that the government is committed to addressing the challenge through coordinated efforts and is deploying amphibious excavators for emergency clearing and channelization activities. The commissioner urged residents to promptly report flooding and environmental concerns to the Ministry of Environment and relevant agencies, emphasizing the need for cooperation.

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It may not be possible to reach all affected areas at the same time, but the state government remains committed to addressing the challenge through coordinated, strategic, and sustained efforts.