By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Many houses, shops, and electric poles were reportedly destroyed in Ilesa and other parts of Osun State following a heavy rainfall that occurred on Monday.

Reports indicated that several residential houses, shops, and electric poles were damaged by the downpour, which was accompanied by strong winds.

Many residents in the Ilesa area were left homeless as the roofs of some buildings and shops were torn off.

However, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Igbalawole Sotiyo, urged residents to exercise caution and take necessary precautions as the rainy season approaches.

Sotiyo gave this advice following the Monday heavy rainfall in the state, which resulted in the destruction of electric poles and significant damage to several houses and shops in Ilesa and Egbedore South.

The NSCDC boss said the command had assessed the damage in Ilesa East, adding that reports indicated about six concrete poles had fallen along University Road in Ilesa.

Similarly, in Egbedore South, at Aje Market, Eesa Tuntun Community, Ejemu Compound, and Ajetunmobi Road in Ido-Osun, some electricity poles fell, and the roofing sheets of houses and shops were also damaged.

The Commandant urged residents to avoid walking or driving near fallen electricity poles or power lines. He also stated that the command had contacted the electricity distribution company in the state for further action.

He further emphasised that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) remains committed to ensuring public safety, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters.

“As we enter the rainy season, it is imperative that we take proactive measures to ensure our safety and the safety of those around us. We must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and damage.

“I want to assure the good people of Osun State that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is committed to ensuring public safety. One of the corps’ mandates is crisis management, and we will continue to work tirelessly to respond to emergencies and protect members of the public from harm,” Commandant Sotiyo said.