Avoid boreholes, well water now — Ogun govt warns coastal communities, others

The Ogun State Government has warned residents living in low-lying areas and coastal communities to avoid using boreholes and well water from the last week of September through the second week of October due to an expected surge in floodwaters.

The government also advised residents in these flood-prone areas to consider relocating to safer ground.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, issued the warning in a statement, which was released by the Ministry’s Information Officer, Rotimi Oduniyi.

The commissioner explained that the advisory became necessary due to the expected impact of rain overflow and tidal lock from several rivers, including the Ilo, Iju, Owa, and Yemule. Communities along the Isheri, Warewa, Akute, Ayetoro, Itele, and the coastlines of Makun, Oni, Iwopin, Igele, Ifaara, Ebute-Imobi, Tungeji Island, and Agosasa are also expected to be affected.

The warning is part of the 2025 Ogun State Midterm Flood Alert. According to Oresanya, residents should prepare for the second phase of flooding, which typically lasts for two weeks between September and November each year.

He noted that the expected high rainfall and water flow from northern Nigeria and the Benin Republic, combined with a potential release of water from the Oyan Dam, could worsen the situation in Ogun State.

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted that September will be the wettest month with 204mm of rainfall, followed by October at 190mm, before the intensity reduces to 93mm in November.

In response to the threat, Oresanya said the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is on high alert for emergency evacuation and relocation to temporary camps. He also urged fish farmers in flood plains, specifically mentioning those in Eriwe, Yemule, Ilase, and Ayegbami, to harvest their fish immediately to prevent them from being washed away.

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