Woman Dies as Rainstorm Destroys Homes in Osogbo

A 47-year-old woman, identified as Jemilat Ganiyu, has been confirmed dead following a rainstorm that wreaked havoc in parts of Osogbo, Osun State, on Saturday evening.

The death of the deceased was reportedly caused by a big tree that fell on a container in the Sabo area of Osogbo, where Jemilat Ganiyu and others had sought shelter.

Jemilat died on the spot, while other individuals at the scene sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The heavy rain that started around 8 p.m. accompanied by strong winds destroyed many houses also affected communities including Ogo-Oluwa, Aregbe, Sabo, Testing ground, Oke-oniti, Awosuru,Oke Bale and Oke fia.

According to the family of the deceased, who spoke with WorldGist during a visit to their residence in Asubiaro, Osogbo, said that the victim was returning home from her shop located behind Hamadiyya Mosque when the rain began.

They explained that Jemilat sought for shelter opposite Ansarudeen Mosque in Sabo, where she joined others under a container used by traders for frying puff-puff.

The family further disclosed that the remains of the deceased have been buried according to Islamic rites at the Muslim burial ground located at Owo Eba, Ilesa Garage, Osogbo.

Reacting to the incident,Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed deep sympathy with victims, describing the development as sad and unfortunate.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said that the governor was deeply touched by the destruction caused by the rainstorm across Osogbo.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I sympathise with the victims of the heavy rainstorm caused by the devastating downpour,” the statement read.

The governor said the government would take necessary steps through the Osun State Emergency Management Agency to address the losses suffered by victims and directed the Ministry of Works to clear affected roads to prevent further accidents and ensure free flow of traffic.