By Erewunmi Peace

Lead (Opening Paragraph):
Residents of Iwo, Osun State, are counting their losses after a torrential downpour on Friday triggered flooding that submerged homes, displaced families, and destroyed properties in several parts of the ancient town.

Body:
The flood, which followed hours of heavy rainfall, swept through communities such as Yafoye, Oke-Afo, and Agoro Road, leaving many households stranded. Witnesses said the water level rose rapidly, overwhelming drainage channels and spilling into homes.

Some residents described the incident as the worst flooding they had experienced in recent years, lamenting the destruction of household items, business goods, and farmlands.

“The rain started in the afternoon, and within minutes, water took over the entire street. Many of us couldn’t salvage anything,” one resident said.

Government Response:
Reacting to the incident, Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed sympathy to the victims and directed emergency officials to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment in the affected areas. He also ordered the expansion and dredging of waterways across the state to mitigate future flooding.

“We are committed to addressing this recurring challenge by ensuring proper channeling of water to reduce the impact on our communities,” the governor stated.

While no casualties have been officially reported, the flooding has left several families displaced and in urgent need of relief materials. Community leaders are appealing to both the state government and humanitarian organizations for immediate assistance.