Youths in Ayetoro, a coastal community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, are urgently calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to declare a state of emergency in the area due to the unrelenting sea incursions that have ravaged their homes and livelihoods.
The community has been grappling with the devastating effects of ocean surges, which have resulted in the displacement of over 5,000 people and the destruction of critical infrastructure, including maternity and health facilities, schools, and small-scale factories.
Thompson Akingboye, speaking on behalf of the youths, lamented the catastrophic damage inflicted upon the community.
He emphasized that the only viable solution to save Ayetoro from disappearing into the sea is for the government to take immediate action to protect the shorelines and construct an embankment.
Akingboye expressed frustration and despair, stating, “Despite the community’s significance and the impending danger, no tangible assistance has been provided.
The land continues to erode, houses collapse into the sea, and lives are lost. We have staged numerous protests and petitions to the government at all levels, yet nothing has been done.
The story of Ayetoro’s sea surge is one of sorrow, tears, and blood – a testament to the absence of effective governance.”
The youths’ appeal to Governor Aiyedatiwa comes as a last resort, as they seek to bring attention to the dire situation and prompt urgent action to mitigate the suffering and prevent further devastation.
