Heavy rain floods Akure, sweeps away motorcycles

By Boye Oyeyemi

Heavy rainfall on Monday caused flooding in several parts of Akure, the Ondo State capital, leaving motorcycle riders and passengers scrambling to escape as floodwaters swept away some motorcycles.

The downpour, which lasted for several hours, disrupted movement across the city, with workers and students reportedly stranded in different locations as roads became inundated.

At Oke Aro, some commercial motorcyclists were forced to abandon their motorcycles after floodwaters became too strong, with witnesses said to have watched helplessly as the bikes were carried away by the current.

The flooding also affected vehicular and pedestrian movement, leaving several residents unable to access their destinations while commuters sought safer routes to avoid the fast-moving water.

Residents blamed the worsening situation in parts of the city on poor drainage and the ongoing Akure-Idanre road construction, which they said had lasted for more than a year.

They appealed to the Ondo State Government to intervene urgently and ensure the completion of the road project, which Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently inspected during a visit to the area.

The incident has renewed concerns over the condition of drainage channels and the impact of heavy rainfall on movement and safety in Akure, particularly in flood-prone areas.

Residents were advised to avoid crossing flooded roads or attempting to drive through rapidly flowing water, as such actions could expose commuters and motorists to serious danger.