*5 victims buried by river side as residents cry to Gov Makinde for help
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The people of Gege area in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State are now living in fear over the increasing rate of death at a ditch within the Gege River in the area.
Residents in the area yesterday, raised alarm with a Save Our Souls message to Gov Seyi Makinde to visit the area and see things for himself to avert more deaths in the River
New Nigerian gathered that no fewer than nine persons have reportedly died in the ditch with most of them said to be youth.
Our investigations revealed that the Gege River reportedly has a deep ditch behind the popular Gege Meat Market covered with refuse and wastes, making unsuspecting passers-by to unknowingly take it for a level point only to get drowned in the ditch.
It was learnt that the dead bodies of victims of the mysterious deaths are always seen back at the surface of the river three or four days after been trapped.
Sources in the area said about nine people had fallen victim of the deadly ditch with five of them reportedly buried by the river side.
The ditch according to sources was few years covered by a former House of Representatives member from the area, but has since suffered neglect by successive lawmakers from the area.
Our sources stressed that during the visit of a former Chairman of Ibadan West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), into the spot, few minutes after his arrival with his team, the dead body of a young girl trapped inside the river three earlier was suddenly sighted floating on the river.
A resident in the area, Mr Omotosho Saheed disclosed that the problem in the area started when drainage was constructed in the middle of the river in 2012, adding, “Before then, there was no problem. The drainage didn’t cover the width and length of the river hence whenever there was heavy rainfall water dug the front of the drainage and created a deep gully like hole.
” This deep hole has become a danger point over the years, claiming so many lives. So we the residents have demarcated the danger zone but most passers by may not understand the reason behind the demarcation especially late in the evening or early in the morning because it was done with cellophane tape.Our appeal is to the government to come to our aid. The government should help us do proper channelization”.
Speaking, Miss Akinade Kehinde said she was born in Gege Area and has been living there since, saying,” the problem started some years ago, when it was discovered that there was a deep hole inside the river that is as deep as a Storey building. “As young as I am I have witnessed the burial of some victims by the river side”.
“Our appeal goes to Governor Seyi Makinde to please help us remove the dilapidated concrete in the middle of the river, close up the ditch and ensure free flow of water as a first step. Then he should help do proper channelization like it has been done for Ogunpa River”, she said .
Another resident, Alhaja Mujidatu while speaking urged Gov Makinde to come to the rescue of the people of Gege area, saying, “Our Governor should come to our aid. As a mother it is very sad to be witnessing death of young and agile men in this River.
“We voted for Governor Makinde and now that we have problem, he should reciprocate by helping us out. Let him visit us, we will tell him, what is happening. God bless our Governor”, She said .
Also speaking, Mr Omotosho Saheed disclosed that the problem started when drainage was constructed in the middle of the river in 2012, adding,”Before then, there was no problem. The drainage didn’t cover the width and length of the river hence whenever there was heavy rainfall water dug the front of the drainage and created a deep gully like hole.
” This deep hole has become a danger point over the years, claiming so many lives. So we the residents have demarcated the danger zone but most passers by may not understand the reason behind the demarcation especially late in the evening or early in the morning because it was done with cellophane tape.Our appeal is to the government to come to our aid. The government should help us do proper channelization”
