Mother of five killed as rainstorm ravages Osogbo

A 47-year-old woman, identified as Jemilat Ganiyu, has been confirmed dead following a violent rainstorm that caused widespread destruction across Osogbo, Osun State, on Saturday evening.

The tragedy occurred in the Sabo area when a large tree was uprooted by the wind, falling onto a shipping container where Ganiyu and several others had sought shelter.

While Ganiyu died instantly at the scene, other individuals sustained various injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

The heavy downpour, which began around 8 p.m., was accompanied by fierce winds that de-roofed houses and destroyed property across multiple communities, including Ogo-Oluwa, Aregbe, Testing Ground, Oke-Oniti, Awosuru, Oke-Bale, and Oke-Fia.

Speaking with our correspondent at their residence in Asubiaro, the family of the deceased explained that the mother of five was returning home from her shop behind the Hamadiyya Mosque when the storm began.

She sought refuge opposite the Ansarudeen Mosque, joining others under a container used by local traders.

The family confirmed that her remains have since been interred according to Islamic rites at the Muslim burial ground in Owo Eba, Ilesa Garage, Osogbo.

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

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor noted he was deeply moved by the extent of the destruction.

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

The Governor assured the public that the state government, through the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), would take the necessary steps to address the losses suffered by residents.

He further directed the Ministry of Works to immediately clear fallen trees and debris from affected roads to prevent further accidents and ensure the free flow of traffic.