In outcry over dust haze caused by ongoing road construction, residents of Peter Ajibola and Igbalaye areas of Osogbo, Osun State capital, protested in the city on Thursday.
According to reports gathered, residents took to the street to pour out their anger against dust emanating from the road diversion as a result of ongoing construction within the town.
Recall 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.
The state government, in a bid to the flow of traffic announced diversions within populated residential areas.
Reacting to the adverse effect of the road diversion on their health and well being, a resident who identified herself as Funmilayo Ade said the road diversion is starting to cause health issues among residents as some children were now vomiting blood.
“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 our people came out to protests today.”
However, policemen from Dada Estate Police Division stormed the area and arrested some residents.
The resident claimed that despite the peaceful protest, police came to arrest innocent residents.
“The police just came now and arrested innocent residents, smashed the phone of a lady who was just receiving calls and started shooting tear gas canisters everywhere.
“There was an agreement between the resident and the state government before the diversion began that they will be wetting the road due to the dust but it is not enough,” the resident claimed.
The state Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi in response to the protest, stated that the government understands what the residents are passing through and pleaded to residents to be patient and understanding.
“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 is 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,” he stated.
The spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Yemisi Opalola when. contacted said that she was not aware of the protest or arrest.
