Road Diversion: We’re Dying Of Dust Inhalation, Osogbo Residents Protest Govt Inaction, Police Aggression (Video)

By Rafiu Agboola, Osogbo

Apprehension gripped residents of Peter Ajibola and Igbalaye areas of Osogbo metropolis as heavily armed policemen dispersed inhabitants of the area protesting dust emanating from the road diversion as a result ongoing construction within the town.

The residents who were angered by the dust emanating from the road diversion, on Thursday took to the streets to protest, saying dust has started affecting their health.

CityMirrorNews that in December, 2023, Governor Ademola Adeleke announced a N100 billion infrastructural plan which involved the construction of flyovers in different parts of the state including Osogbo, the state capital.

To further aid the flow of traffic, the state government announced diversions within populated residential areas.

It was learnt that residents in protest blocked the streets which hindered free flow of traffic.

As a result, Police men from Dada Estate Police Division stormed the area and arrested some residents.

Speaking to our Correspondent, a resident , Funmilayo Ade lamented that the way the government is going about the road diversion is wrong.

She revealed that the dust from the road diversion has started causing health issues among residents as some children were now vomiting blood.

Ade said: “We appreciate the government but the way they are treating us is not good. We can’t open our shops again because of the dust. When you open your mouth to talk, dust will enter into your mouth and nose.

“This is the reason why people came out to protest today. We would have appreciated if the government is wetting the roads but unfortunately they only do that once in a day.

“The police just came now and arrested innocent residents, smashed the phone of a lady who was just receiving calls and started shooting teargas everywhere.

“There was agreement between the residents and the state government before the diversion began that they will be wetting the road due to the dust but it is not enough.”

Another resident, Oyegbade Wahab stated that they will not accept it because it has started affecting their health

He urged the state government to lay asphalt temporarily on the road so as to cut down on the dust disturbing the residents.

Reacting, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi stated that the government understands what the residents are passing through.

While pleasing for more understanding from the residents, Alimi added that, “the state government would look into the complaints of the residents from the appropriate quarters.

“Now that they have protested, we will see what the government can do to alleviate their suffering. They should understand that it just a temporary thing and the road diversion is for developmental purpose and in development, we have to sacrifice. That not withstanding, the state government will send a delegation to that area to see what can be done to ameliorate the suffering of the residents.”

When one of the journalists who were at the incident contacted the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, said she was not aware of the protest.

Watch