A severe rainstorm hit Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction and displacement in its wake. The storm, accompanied by strong winds, tore off roofs of houses, places of worship, and business premises in areas such as Ogo-Oluwa, Testing Ground, Oke Oniti, Awosuru, Gbongan Road, and Oke Baale.
Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed sympathy with the affected residents, describing the incident as “sad and unfortunate”. He assured victims that the government would provide support through the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA).
The rainstorm also disrupted traffic along the busy Osogbo-Gbongan Road after a billboard collapsed onto the road. However, the obstruction was later cleared.
Residents were seen salvaging their belongings and beginning repairs on damaged structures. Some expressed gratitude that no lives were lost, despite the extensive damage.
The storm damaged electric cables and streetlights, and some residents were left without power. The government has directed the Ministry of Works to clear affected roads and restore normalcy.
*Affected Areas:*
– _Ogo-Oluwa_: Roofs blown off houses and businesses
– _Testing Ground_: Church roof damaged
– _Oke Oniti_: Buildings destroyed
– _Awosuru_: Roofs torn off houses
– _Gbongan Road_: Billboard collapsed onto road
– _Oke Baale_: Buildings damaged
Governor Adeleke attributed the increasing frequency of such natural disasters to climate change, urging residents to adopt mitigating actions such as tree planting and avoiding indiscriminate felling of trees.
The Osun State Council has pledged support for affected residents and business owners, setting up a committee to assess damage and recommend practical steps for assistance.