Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Osogbo, destroys homes, infrastructure

A survey across the city showed that several houses, shops, billboards, and public infrastructure, including streetlights, were damaged.

Affected areas include Oke-Fia, GRA, Alekuwodo, Old Garage, Osogbo Grammar School, Capital Estate, Sabo, Ogo-Oluwa, Africa, and Ring Road, among others.

At Oke-Fia, streetlight poles near government buildings were pulled down, the roof of a police barracks was ripped off, and shops close to the State Fire Service were destroyed, alongside damaged electricity poles.

In Alekuwodo, multiple streetlights and electric poles were brought down, while a telecommunications mast crashed onto a storey building, leaving residents stranded. Several houses were also affected, and a fallen electric pole blocked access roads.

At Aregbe, a large billboard fell onto a truck, causing traffic disruption, while business owners across affected communities were seen salvaging belongings from damaged shops and buildings.

Reacting, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, directed the Ministry of Works, the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), and other relevant bodies to commence immediate intervention.

He described the incident as unfortunate and expressed sympathy with the victims, assuring that the government would take steps to mitigate losses and support affected residents, while also ordering the clearance of blocked roads to prevent further accidents.

Similarly, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, conveyed concern over the destruction, describing it as a reminder of communities’ vulnerability to extreme weather.

He sympathised with victims and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as recovery efforts continue.