Osogbo Residents Urge Dredging of Osun River Amid Flooding

Residents living along the Osun River in Osogbo, Osun State, are currently assessing their losses as flooding has affected houses and farmlands due to rising water levels. This situation has arisen following four days of increased rainfall, which has caused stronger currents and overflow beyond the river's usual channel.

Many residents have begun evacuating their belongings to safer locations, with some families temporarily relocating. Fatai Akangbe, a local resident, recalled a significant flooding incident in August 2018 and urged the state government to address the river’s capacity to mitigate future flooding risks.

The flooding has also impacted farmers, who are now counting losses as water has submerged portions of their cultivated lands. Residents are calling for the dredging of the Osun River to enhance its capacity to handle increased water volumes.

Pastor Babalola of the Redeemed Christian Church of God appealed for urgent action from the Osun State Government to address the situation. Concerns over changing rainfall patterns and global warming's impact on extreme weather events have also been raised.