The Osun State Government has demolished about 30 buildings constructed on waterways as part of measures to avert flooding in the state.
According to the state authorities, the exercise targeted structures located in swampy areas and along riverbanks, identified as high-risk zones during periods of heavy rainfall.
The action followed warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) predicting possible flooding in parts of the state.
Confirming the demolition on Sunday, Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mayowa Adejoorin, said the exercise formed part of a comprehensive flood prevention strategy.
“In Osogbo, we removed about 15 structures; in Ile-Ife, six; Ilesa, six; and others in various towns. This is to ensure the safety of residents across the state,” Adejoorin stated.
He explained that notices and ultimatums had been issued to affected property owners prior to the demolition, but some failed to comply.
“We began dredging our waterways last December and cleared refuse dumped in them to prevent blockages. Where illegal structures are found, we issue removal notices and, if ignored, we demolish them,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that the safety and preservation of lives remained the administration’s top priority, expressing confidence that the measures would prevent severe flooding and displacement this year.
He urged residents to desist from dumping refuse in waterways and to comply with environmental regulations to avoid sanctions.
