Residents living along the Osun River in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, are counting their losses as the river's rising water levels have flooded houses and farmlands in nearby communities. The flooding, which started after four days of increased rainfall, has caused stronger currents downstream, forcing water beyond the river's usual channel. Many residents have been affected, with some evacuating their belongings and moving to safer locations.
The Daily Post observed that houses along the riverbank have been affected, with residents moving out properties and valuables that remained untouched by the flood. Some families have temporarily relocated while monitoring the situation, particularly in areas where floodwater has entered residential compounds and buildings close to the river. A resident, Fatai Akangbe, recalled a major flooding episode in August 2018 and urged the state government and relevant authorities to address the river's capacity.
The flooding has also affected farmers whose farmlands are located near the river, with some beginning to count their losses after water covered portions of their cultivated areas. Crops and other farm investments are among the properties residents said could be lost if the water level continues to rise and remains on the farmlands for an extended period. Residents attributed the immediate rise in the river to the increased volume of rainfall in the area.
The situation has renewed calls for the dredging of the Osun River to improve its capacity to accommodate increased water volumes and reduce the risk of overflowing its banks. Residents believe that dredging the river would help improve the flow of water and reduce the pressure created when heavy rainfall increases the volume of water entering the river.
The zonal pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Mount Zion Cathedral, Pastor Babalola, appealed to the Osun State Government to urgently dredge the Osun River during a church service on Sunday. The pastor's appeal was in response to the flooding and its impact on residents.
The flooding comes amid continuing concerns over changing rainfall patterns and the impact of global warming on extreme rainfall. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reported that heavy precipitation is projected to become more intense with additional global warming, increasing exposure to flooding in many parts of Africa.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has issued rainfall and flood-related forecasts and warnings, including a 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction that projected normal to above-normal rainfall in parts of Nigeria. The agency has also issued heavy-rainfall and flash-flood risk information during the current rainy season, highlighting the need for preparedness and mitigation measures.
Key points
- The Osun River's rising water levels have flooded houses and farmlands in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
- Residents are calling for the dredging of the Osun River to improve its capacity and reduce the risk of flooding.
- The flooding is attributed to increased rainfall in the area, which has contributed to greater water flow into the river and increased current downstream.
