Residents of Osogbo and its surrounding areas are lamenting their losses as a result of a heavy downpour on Saturday night, which caused widespread havoc.
Victims, primarily Osogbo locals who have yet to comprehend the devastation wreaked by the heavy downpour, are still calculating their losses as they lament a trail of ruin through the city.
The severe downpour, which lasted about two hours in Osogbo, worsened the poor living conditions of those whose homes and businesses were damaged, WITHIN NIGERIA gathered.
WITHIN NIGERIA learned that a Coca-Cola truck driver, who has yet to be identified, was stuck for an hour after a billboard fell on his car amid the severe rain.
It was also learned that rescuing the stranded driver required the united efforts of local neighbors and passersby.
Bamidele Olorunfemi, a resident of Osogbo, told WITHIN NIGERIA over the phone that the deluge began with a powerful wind resembling a howling and spinning beast.
According to Olorunfemi, the wind was so strong that it uprooted billboards, electric poles, and roofing sheets, among other things.
Olorunfemi told WITHIN NIGERIA that he was going home when the heavy rain began, and he had to park his vehicle somewhere safe before abandoning it to find a hiding place.
“I noticed a massive piece of a collapsed billboard being carried by wind. “Roofing sheets are being blown off,” he continued.
He asked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA) to respond positively and assist victims of the heavy rain.
Meanwhile, Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has expressed his sympathy to residents affected by the rainstorm that hit Osogbo, the state capital, and its surrounding areas on Saturday night.
Adeleke, via a statement issued by his spokesperson, described the incident as “sad” and “unfortunate”.
He promised that his administration would compensate the victims and take steps to mitigate the damage.
He has also directed the Ministry of Works, Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), and other relevant agencies to take immediate action, including clearing blocked motorways to prevent further accidents.
Adeleke, who attributed the rainstorm to climate change, citing it as a reason for his government’s efforts to combat its negative effects.
He urged residents to plant trees and avoid indiscriminate tree felling to mitigate natural disasters.
In a similar vein, Dr Najeem Salam, the African Democratic Congress’ gubernatorial candidate in Osun State, has expressed sympathy for the victims of Osogbo’s heavy rainfall.
Salam in a post on his X account, wrote, “I extend my heartfelt concern and solidarity to all residents of Osogbo who have been affected by the recent heavy downpour that has caused disruption across parts of our city. These are difficult moments, and I deeply empathise with families whose homes, properties, and livelihoods have been impacted.
“At times like this, our strength lies in our unity and compassion for one another. I urge everyone to remain calm, stay safe, and support neighbours who may be in distress, especially the elderly, children, and the vulnerable among us’.
WITHIN NIGERIA also contacted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA). All official lines were unavailable and unreachable at the time of making this report.
