Ogun River Did not ‘Dry Up’, Government Warns. See Why It’s Dangerous to Walk on it
Two days ago, we reported the
story about a section of the Ogun River flowing through the Kara Cattle Market
in Lagos which suddenly disappeared. Earlier reports were that the river ‘dried
up’ and from the pictures and videos we shared, people were seen walking on it,
testing the river bed for firmness.
But the Lagos
State Government has issued a warning to residents.
According to the statement signed
by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Adebowale
Akinsanya, the river is “blocked by vegetation” and it could “open up at any
time with dire consequences.”
The vegetation blocking the river. Credit:
Channels TV
|
Here’s exactly
what happened: A thick layer of vegetation was forced atop the river by a heavy
storm, and this vegetation created a compact layer over the body of water,
creating a false firm land which people have been seen walking on. It is
very dangerous because at any time, the vegetation could give way, swallowing
whatever is atop it.
Akinsanya added
this yesterday:
“It is important to notify the public that have been worried about the environmental consequence of a dried up river to note that the flow of the river is still active beneath the vegetation and the situation is been evaluated.
“However, because of the compacted nature of the vegetation residents and onlookers are of the erroneous belief that the river has suddenly dried up and can walk across the vegetation.
“A lot of people that have turned the place to a tourist destination are unaware of the danger lying ahead. It’s important for the public to be aware that the vegetation can give away at any time and can lead to a potential disastrous situation.”
Carrying out any activities on the blockage of this river is unsafe, dangerous and disastrous.Please keep off.”
Hopefully,
residents and those who conduct businesses in the vicinity will heed this
warning and all keep off.
OJPals, what do you think? Let us know!
@OJ’s Blog EXCLUSIVE
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