Residents count losses after heavy rainstorm damages properties, infrastructure

‎Several properties and infrastructure were damaged in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Saturday night when a severe rainstorm struck, leaving residents counting their losses.

‎The storm, accompanied by strong winds, ripped off rooftops of homes and shops, destroyed streetlights, electricity poles, and caused a telecommunications mast to collapse on a building.

‎Areas affected include; Oke-Fia, GRA, Alekuwodo, Old-Garage, Osogbo Grammar school, Capital, Estate, Sabo, Ogo-Oluwa, Africa, Ring Road and other, at Oke-Fia, street lights poles in front of Government houses were destroyed, roof of police Barack building were pulled off, shops close to State Fire Service were collapsed as electric poles too were affected.

‎Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke, has sent his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the residents over the devastating havoc wreaked by rainstorm last night in some parts of the State.

‎The governor in a press statement issued by Olawale Rasheed, his Spokesperson described the incidents as ‘sad’ and ‘unfortunate’.

‎Adeleke said, “On behalf of the Government and good people of my state, I sincerely sympathise with the victims of the heavy rainstorms occasioned by devastating downpour this evening Saturday, 28th day of March, 2026 in Osogbo and its adjourning communities.

‎”I must say that I feel deeply touched and alarmed by the incident and my administration, will, no doubt, put in place, everything morally and officially possible through Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA) with a view to offsetting the attendant losses incurred by the victims in Osogbo and other communities affected by such unfortunate developments.

‎”I have also directed the Ministry of works to quickly swing into action by clear the motor ways to prevent further accidents ”

‎While blaming climate change as responsible for the increasing natural disasters, the governor said the negative effect of climate change accounts for his government’s concerted policy actions to combat the negative effects of the phenomenon.

‎He urged residents to prioritise actions that can mitigate natural disasters such as tree planting among others, advising against indiscriminate felling of trees.