Road Diversion: Osogbo Residents Protest Dusty Environment

There was a commotion at Peter Ajibola and Igbalaye areas of Alekuwodo, Osogbo, Osun State capital yesterday as some armed policemen dispersed residents of the area who were protesting dust emanating from the road diversion to their area as a result of the ongoing road construction at Oke-Fia.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the policemen from Dada Estate Police Station fired teargas at the protesting residents who had blocked the road to prevent passage of vehicles.

The residents complained that they have been inhaling dust as the government failed to be wetting the untarred road regularly.

According to the residents, the dust emanating from the road was affecting their health, hence their resolve to protest.  

One of the residents, Funmilayo Ade, stated the dust from the road diversion had started causing health issues, disclosing that some children were already 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 an agreement between the residents and the state government before the diversion began that they will be wetting the road to avoid dust but it is not enough.”

Another resident, Wahab Oyegbade, urged the state government to lay asphalt temporarily on the road so as to reduce the dust disturbing the residents.

Reacting, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, pleaded for more understanding from the residents, promising that the state government would look into their complaints.

He said: “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”, he stated.

The Spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, said she was not aware of the protest.