On August 31, 1980, the Ogunpa River burst its banks following a six-hour downpour which displaced at least 15,000 people and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in Ogunpa, Aderin, Beere, Molete and Dugbe.
Reports disclosed that Ogunpa, Oranyan and parts of Dugbe markets lost entire inventories of textiles, foodstuffs and building materials after the collapse of Ogunpa Bridge and the Dugbe Bridge approach had cut off the Iwo Road corridor, delaying goods movement to Lagos and Ijebu.
The Oyo State Ministry of Works, while addressing newsmen, confirmed that 8.4km of urban roads were eroded, drainage channels blocked, and electricity poles down in four districts.
University College Hospital confirmed 176 deaths as of 6pm Sunday, with officials warning the figure could exceed 200. Relief camps were opened at Mapo Hall, Liberty Stadium and three schools to house displaced families.
Governor Bola Ige toured the affected areas and declared Ibadan a disaster area.
“The long-term work will be dredging, channelization, and enforcement of building codes along the river,” he said.
President Shehu Shagari directed the National Emergency Relief Agency to support the state, with federal reconstruction funding expected this week.
