By Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, Abeokuta
The Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Ogun state command has commiserated with Ogun State government and the families of those who lost their lives and properties to the flood disaster which occur recently in the city of Abeokuta, the state capital.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the commander of the Group in the state, Commander Nureni Adedoyin expressed his sadness over the disaster, adding that the Lord will give the affected families the fortitude to bear the loss.
He added that as part of the groups commitment on community service in Ogun state and Nigeria, the vigilante would not relent in its efforts to promptly respond to distress calls in any form.
Adedoyin however appreciated the good governor of Ogun state Senator Ibikunle Amosun for his foresight in the construction and expansion of roads across the state, stressing that, the urban renewal has tremendously helped to reduce the havoc that may be experienced through the over flow of the flood.
“The vigilante group of Nigeria, Ogun state Command also thank his Excellency for his unalloyed support to the state command. We at VGN continually pledged our commitment to community service in the state.”
Meanwhile, no fewer than 11 people died while property and other valuables worth millions of naira were lost on Friday during a downpour in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Saharaweekly recalled that, the rain , which started around 4.30 pm, subsided about three hours later, leading to a gridlock in major parts of the town, forcing many residents to trek to their des!tinations.
Among those who lost their lives were a food vendor , Halirat Akintobi, and her two sons.
The deceased , according sources , had a container at Ilawo, near Kobiti Central Mosque in the Abeokuta North Local Government Area, where she had gone for the day’s business with her children, when the flood hit the area.
They were said to have taken shelter inside the container when the flood caused the havoc.
Their corpses were recovered from the river channels and were said to have been buried according to Islamic rites on Saturday morning.
Sources said some residents were still searching for their family members by visiting the mortuaries in Abeokuta as of Saturday evening.
Apart from the trio who had since been buried , eight other corpses, who were victims of the devastating flood, were said to have been deposited at the mortuary of the General Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta.
The Chairman, Nigeria Red Cross Society, Ogun State chapter , Mr. Joseph Obalanlege, described the situation as devastating.
He confirmed that no fewer than eight other persons died in the flood.
He said , “ It is very devastating, so many lives have been lost. We are rushing down to Ijaye General Hospital because we have a report that about eight bodies have been deposited at the mortuary from different areas.”
Areas mostly affected by the flood included Ijaiye , Kuto , Lafenwa , Oke Lantoro , Amolaso , Kobiti and Ilawo, among others.