Residents of Ajapa in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State are mourning the death of two children, Igulapelewe Inuesokan and Justinah Seiwei, following torrential rainfall of several hours.
Sources said two-year-old Igulapelewe and three-year-old Justinah, went missing when their parents allegedly went through canoe to find the means of preventing their floating house, which has been partially submerged in flood.
On their return, they discovered that their two children were missing.
Ajapa, a riverine community, has been submerged by water which has rendered hundreds of people living in the community homeless before this latest incident.
The Iginabou of Ajapa Community, High Chief Godwin Akpo, who confirmed the incident, gave the names of the two parents who lost their children as Mr. Mike Inuasokan and Mr. Posi Feiwei.
He said: “It has never happened like this before. The situation has badly affected the whole community. No house was spared including schools and churches.
“It started about four days ago but today is the worst. All our houses and property are gone. It was so unfortunate that we even lost two children to the incident.”
He described the situation as worrisome which has resulted in starvation and economic loss.
“Presently, there is a serious starvation and famine in the community. We are appealing to the governments and all other relevant agencies to come to our aid by way of providing relief materials.”
Secretary of the council, Chief G.A Jolowo, said the flood was caused by excessive rain which had destroyed property and crops worth several millions.
According to him: “As we speak now, it is still raining thereby adding more to the destruction. All our houses have been submerged and over flooded.
“We are finding it difficult to survive. Our economy has been broken down completely. Even to cook is a serious problem. Fishermen and women could no longer fish, all my property are inside the water.”
The Principal, Okubama High School, Ajapa, Mr. Luke Azerege, described the flood situation as very pathetic, adding that it has taken over the school premises there by making teaching and learning impossible.
He appealed to governments for immediate response to bring succor to the community.
It would be recalled that most communities in Ilaje and Ese Odo LGA, which include Igbotu, the home town of the mother of the State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, were badly affected by the flood.
The development gingered the state government to compel public primary and secondary schools to proceed on three weeks holiday to forestall further flood disaster.