Last weekend, an unusual thing happened to the Ogun river – which left residents of the area baffled, stunned and in search of answers.

The river, which is near the Kara Cattle Market, was overtaken by vegetation caused by a heavy storm.

This created a compacted layer over the river and further blocked its flow.

The residents of the area, not used to this type of occurrence, trooped out in numbers to inspect the thick vegetation which took over their river.

The site would later become an overnight tourist attraction as people visited the vegetation – taking pictures and generally marveling at the supposed anomaly.

Some residents even attributed the blockage to be of spiritual importance.

Truth however, is that even though unusual, the blockage of the river by thick vegetation is not a new occurrence and the river can at any time reclaim its route with full force even as it still flows beneath.

On his part, Lagos state Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Adebowale Akinsanya warned residents of the area and the befuddled tourists to take heed of the dry area as the river was still flowing beneath all the blockage.

He said, “Carrying out any activities on the blockage of this river is unsafe, dangerous and disastrous. Please keep off.”

The Commissioner issued a very stern warning to residents of the area and curious souls – in a statement released today.

“It is important to notify the public that have been worried about the environmental consequence of a dried up river to note that the flow of the river is still active beneath the vegetation and the situation is been evaluated.”

“However, because of the compacted nature of the vegetation residents and onlookers are of the erroneous belief that the river has suddenly dried up and can walk across the vegetation.”

“A lot of people that have turned the place to a tourist destination are unaware of the danger lying ahead. It’s important for the public to be aware that the vegetation can give away at any time and can lead to a potential disastrous situation.”

Hopefully, the residents of the area and the tourists would take note of the Commissioner’s advice and desist from converging around the river to avoid any unprecedented tragedy.