Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has sympathised with the families of residents who lost their lives in the recent flooding recorded in different parts of Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

He described the incident as unfortunate and assured residents that his administration would intensify efforts to address the ecological challenges contributing to flooding in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye, whose office oversees disaster management, visited the affected areas, including Ayemi, Adebayo Road and Elemi-Afao Road, on behalf of the governor. She also engaged with residents affected by the flooding.

Oyebanji said the government had procured dredging and other earth-moving equipment since the beginning of his administration, noting that the intervention had contributed to a significant reduction in flooding across the state.

He added that the government had also undertaken dredging, sensitisation and media campaigns following the 2026 flood forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

The governor urged residents to avoid indiscriminate waste disposal and other practices that block waterways, while warning against crossing flooded bridges and waterways during heavy rainfall.

He said government agencies had been mobilised to commence the re-dredging of affected waterways and appealed to the Federal Government and development partners to strengthen ecological interventions in Ekiti.

Meanwhile, the General Manager of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Oludare Asaolu, said the government was ready to commence immediate remedial measures, including rebuilding damaged bridges and restoring access to communities cut off by the flood.

He called for collective efforts among government, residents and other stakeholders to prevent further loss of lives and property.