By Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa
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Over 5,000 displaced residents of Ayetoro in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State are now taking refuge in neighbouring towns and villages in the area as a result of the Ocean surge ravaging the community, The Hope has learnt.
Some of the victims taking refuge in Okitipupa who spoke with our reporter said no fewer than 70 percent of residents of the community have fled to different settlements due to the ravaging sea surge in the area.
The Hope gathered that majority of the residential buildings, schools, the community town hall, power stations, businesses, health institutions, in the community and the eco- system of the people have been washed away into the Atlantic ocean.
The residents who relocated to nearby communities like Igbokoda, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Irele, among others, lamented their plights, agony, and inconveniences the sea surge have caused them.
The people of Aiyetoro, known for their advanced fishery, transportation, marine business, industries such as carpentry and furniture, and shoe making, among others, are now largely refugees in other lands.
They, however appealed to government to save their ancestral home and heritage from the Atlantic Ocean surge.
In a chat, leader of the community, Mr. Samagbeyi Seyi Shedrack, disclosed that the Aiyetoro community is gradually going into extinction.
“As we speak, we are left with less than a quarter of the entire landscape. With the recent sea surge, thousands have been rendered homeless and property worth millions destroyed,” he said.
“Several people have deserted the community, some relocated to neighbouring communities, while some are still managing to stay, as different people have been calling for relocation as a temporary solution. Without being told, the population has reduced, and people are running for their lives and survival.
“The youths who are just like other persons in the community are running for safety, with no means of livelihood.
“We are appealing to the Federal, State governments, and International agencies to come to our aid. Without deliberate Government political will, the community may not be in existence again any time soon,” he said.
In her comment, a member of the community, Mrs. Mebaane Kofidoti, said nearly everybody has left the community since there has not been any government intervention.
“With what am seeing, Aiyetoro is going into extinction if urgent intervention is not put in place by the government, because there is nothing we can do on our own. We have tried our best but it seems to no avail”.
“I cannot say that the solution to the problem is beyond government’s capacity. While we still do not have anyone to look onto than the governments, they should please come to our aid as the damage caused by the ocean surge increases yearly, she pleaded.
She suggested that, If complete relocation from the community will be the solution pending the time a solution will come, then the government should do that in time before Aiyetoro finally goes to extinction.
Economically, we are down, with the last surge, many residents are still looking for where to relocate to. That is why we are appealing to the state government to save us.
