Residents of Ilorin, Kwara State capital, are disturbed by the frequent rain which resulted in the devastating flood that rendered several people homeless in recent times.

Sheikh Abdullahi Salaty, an Ilorin-based Islamic cleric and one of the speakers at the Ilorin Central Eid praying ground, called on the federal government to pay attention to the devastation effect of the Asa River, saying the non-completion of the dredging and channelisation of the river was causing havoc to the community.

"We want to tell the federal government that the project left uncompleted has been causing untold hardships to our people. Many people have been left homeless as a result of flood. We call on the government to take urgent steps to alleviate the suffering of our people."

The scholar pointed out that the pitiable condition of the praying ground aptly described the severity of the flood and the havoc it has brought to the victims.

On Wednesday, last week, some residents of Ilorin woke up to the devastation caused by the heavy downpour.

Though no life was lost in the flooding, several houses were submerged while fences fell on cars and damaged them beyond repairs at Sakasaka Street Odota Ilorin.

Other parts of Ilorin affected were Ita Amadu, Mandate Housing Estate, Oko Erin, Isale Koko, Aduralere, among others.

Badly affected also was Isale Koko in Ilorin metropolis where over 300 houses were submerged in the flood.

Residents of the area who spoke to Daily Trust attributed the flooding to Asa River dredging which was stopped at Isale Koko end, saying the dredging did not meet the specification of project.

Last year, when the state witnessed unprecedented flooding which killed unspecified number of people and destroyed properties worth millions of naira, the federal government intervened with the commencement of the dredging and channelisation of Asa River in Ilorin.

Many people heaved a sigh of relief with the commencement of the project which was designed in three phases.

Former Commissioner for Environment Barrister Kayode Towoju explained that the first phase of the project covers Coca-Cola Bridge to Unity Bridge, passing through Emir's Road Bridge and Amilengbe Bridge in Ilorin metropolis.

The ex-commissioner stated that the dredging would be 40 meters wide and 25 meters each at both sides.

While saying that the dredging of Asa River is a project that the people of Kwara have been yearning for, Towoju added that the project would open up more business activities and the river bank can be used for picnic.

However, the project, it was gathered, stopped after completing the first phase.

Members of Isale Koko community vented their spleen when Senator Bukola Saraki who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, inspected the area.

Alhaji Nda-Rabi, appealed to the federal government to ensure quick completion of the project to forestall a recurrence of the disaster.