Ekiti Group Gives Government 24 Hours to Recover Worker Trapped in Erosion Pit

ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE - The Citizens Action Network (CAN) has given the Ekiti State Government 24 hours to recover a state government worker who was reportedly swept into a deep erosion pit along Afao-Ekiti Road in Ado-Ekiti during heavy rainfall on August 28, 2026.

In a statement signed by its National Convener, Comrade Ade Adewunmi Adeoye, CAN said two people were swept away during the incident. One body was subsequently recovered, while the second victim, identified as a state government employee, remained trapped in the erosion pit.

The organisation said the missing worker had yet to be recovered.

Families Left to Lead Recovery Effort, Group Claims

CAN alleged that the victims’ families were left to organise recovery efforts after the state government failed to make adequate arrangements to retrieve those swept away.

According to the group, relatives were forced to hire local divers to search the deep pit and recover the victims.

The organisation is demanding that the state government take particular responsibility for the recovery of the missing worker because he was reportedly a government employee.

CAN also called for financial assistance and compensation for the families of both victims.

“Human lives must not be taken for granted. Government exists for the welfare and security of the people,” Adeoye said.

Residents Describe Afao Road as Recurring Danger Zone

Residents reportedly told the organisation that the affected section of Afao-Ekiti Road has become a recurring danger point during periods of heavy rainfall.

CAN said residents claimed the location has recorded multiple deaths over the years, with fatalities allegedly occurring roughly every three years as a result of erosion, flooding and inadequate drainage.

The organisation accused the Ekiti State Government of failing to permanently address the danger despite previous incidents.

It said the absence of a bridge and adequate drainage infrastructure has left the road particularly vulnerable whenever heavy rainfall causes water levels to rise.

CAN Demands Bridge, Drainage and Accountability

Beyond the immediate recovery operation, CAN is demanding the construction of a bridge and proper drainage infrastructure along the affected section of Afao-Ekiti Road.

The group said permanent infrastructure is necessary to prevent the location from becoming a recurring death trap during heavy rainfall.

CAN also called on the Ekiti State Health Union and other relevant professional and workers’ unions to intervene and ensure that the affected families receive appropriate support.

The organisation urged the unions to press for accountability over the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Demand Comes Amid Fresh Flooding Concerns

The group’s demands come amid recent reports of flooding and infrastructure damage in parts of Ado-Ekiti.

Reports published on September 29 and 30 indicated that heavy rainfall had damaged roads and bridges in parts of the state capital. A section of the bridge along Afao Road was also reportedly damaged or collapsed.

The Ekiti State Government has previously announced measures aimed at tackling flooding and erosion in Ado-Ekiti.

The government said it had spent approximately N500 million on dredging waterways and desilting drainage channels, including interventions along the Elemi-Afao Road corridor.

CAN, however, says the immediate priority should be the recovery of the missing worker and the protection of residents who depend on the road.

The organisation is also demanding urgent action to address the erosion and drainage problems at the location, warning that without permanent intervention, another heavy downpour could produce another tragedy.

For CAN, the 24 hour deadline is therefore not simply a demand for a rescue operation. It is a test of how quickly the government can respond when infrastructure failure, extreme rainfall and public safety converge.

The group says the immediate question is simple: Where is the missing worker, and what is being done to ensure no one else is swept away?