Osun Targets Riverbank Structures to Prevent Flooding

The Osun State Government has pulled down about 30 buildings built on waterways to reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.

The affected structures, located in swampy zones and along riverbanks, were identified as high-risk areas that could worsen flooding during heavy rainfall. The demolition follows recent flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET).

Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mayowa Adejoorin, confirmed on Sunday that the move is part of the state’s proactive flood prevention strategy.

“In Osogbo, we removed about 15 structures; in Ile-Ife, six; Ilesa, another six; and more in other towns. This is to ensure residents’ safety,” Adejoorin stated.

He explained that property owners were given prior warnings and deadlines to remove the illegal structures, but some failed to comply.

The state has also been dredging waterways and clearing refuse since December to prevent blockages.

Adejoorin stressed that safeguarding lives remains a top priority:

“Where we have illegal structures, we give notice. If they are not removed, we demolish.”

He expressed confidence that these measures will prevent severe flooding in Osun this year and urged residents to stop dumping refuse in waterways to avoid future sanction