Homes, schools submerged in Benin flood

The heavy rain, which fell on Monday, resulted in a massive flood, which submerged homes, schools and other buildings in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Businesses were paralysed, schools shut and residents remained indoors. Workers and pupils, who went to offices and schools, got there late.



The downpour, which began about 4am and stopped about 10:30pm, caused frustration among residents as the resultant flood resulted in traffic jams with vehicles wading through water.

At 8am, many government offices were yet to open, while workers, who came to work, arrived their offices about 9am.

A visit to primary and secondary schools in the Benin City metropolis showed that many pupils were absent due to the rain.

Roads that experienced heavy traffic included Sapele Road, Airport Road, Ekenwan Road, Ugbowo and Upper Sakpoba, while some adjoining streets were blocked following the heavy rain.

Those who defied the downpour and went about their businesses had a hectic time as they were stranded in the traffic gridlock for hours. Some resorted to trekking to their destinations.

Commercial motorists made brisk business, increasing their fares. Ring Road to Aduwawa, whose fare was between N70 and N100 was increased to N200, while Airport Road, which was N50, was increased to between N70 and N100.

Some of the people, who spoke to our reporter, decried the sudden increase in fares. They said most commercial motorists even declined to convey people to long distances.