By Gbenga Olarinoye
Hundreds of residents of Osogbo, Osun State were Wednesday sacked by flood that claimed no fewer than three lives and property worth millions of naira.

Worst hit by the flood occasioned by an early morning heavy downpour were Alekuwodo, Gbonmi, Oke-Fia, Sabo, Dada Estate, Ilobu Road, Oke Baale, Rasco Cinema and Woleola Estate areas of the state capital.

Most residents were trapped in their homes as officials of both the state ministry of environment and the emergency management agency battled to open the waterways and clear debris.

A JSS 3 student was feared dead in Obalende, Sabo area of the state capital while attempting to cross one of the flooded areas. Unconfirmed report also had it that two children were swept away from the homes by the flood.

The expansive compound of CAC miracle centre in Alekuwodo was submerged by the flood with no fewer than three cars stuck in the flood. Traffic along Okefia- Alekuwodo route was at standstill with vehicles trying to wriggle their way out of the gridlock occasioned by the flood.

The flood was as a result of a three-hour early morning downpour that lasted between 3.00am and 6.00am.

Major roads and markets in the state capital were flooded resulting in heavy financial loss to scores of traders in the affected area who wept uncontrollably at the loss of their wares worth millions of naira.

Meanwhile, the state government and a human rights activist, Comrade Amitolu Shittu yesterday differed on the cause of the havoc. While the state deputy governor, Erelu Olusola Obada during an on-the -spot visit to the affected areas attributed the disaster to the blockage of waterways with building and refuse, Shittu blamed the state ministry of environment and state environmental protection agency for dereliction of duty.