Osun State has taken a bold step to protect residents from possible flooding by demolishing about 30 illegal buildings found on waterways.

The affected structures were located in swampy areas and along riverbanks, places considered dangerous during periods of heavy rain.

The move came after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) issued warnings about potential flooding in the state.

Confirming the action, Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mayowa Adejoorin, said the demolition was part of a wider plan to control floods and safeguard communities.

He revealed that 15 buildings were removed in Osogbo, six in Ile-Ife, another six in Ilesa, while the remaining were in other towns.

Adejoorin explained that property owners had received notices and deadlines to clear their buildings, but some ignored the orders, prompting government intervention.

He added that dredging of waterways began last December and waste dumped in rivers had been cleared to avoid blockages.

He stressed that the government’s priority was the safety of lives and properties, saying illegal structures would always be removed if owners failed to act after being warned.

The commissioner expressed confidence that with these preventive steps, Osun would not experience severe flooding capable of displacing residents this year.

He also appealed to the public to stop dumping refuse in waterways and to follow environmental rules to avoid future sanctions.