Two escape death as rainstorm wreaks havoc in Kwara

Photo credit: Tunde Oyekola

Two occupants in a moving car narrowly escaped death on Thursday evening along Unity Road, Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, when a political signpost fell on their vehicle during a torrential rainstorm. The downpour, accompanied by strong winds, wreaked havoc across the city, damaging cars, buildings, electric poles, wires and shops. Political signposts were not spared; many were toppled, blocking major roads in the Sawmill, Taiwo and Unity areas.

Residents of the Taiwo, Unity and Itamodu neighborhoods were left counting their losses after the storm destroyed properties estimated at several million naira. The rain and wind also caused extensive damage to buildings in other parts of Kwara State, including the Oke‑Ero Local Government Area.

The Kwara State Fire Service confirmed that no lives were lost. Hassan Adekunle, Head of Media and Publicity for the service, said the two car occupants escaped before fire‑service personnel arrived. He noted that the fallen political signpost on Unity Road could have been far worse, and that many houses in Taiwo Isale, Unity Road, Ita Amodu and other areas were damaged. The director of the state fire service, Prince John Famuyiwa, advised residents to remain indoors whenever rain is forecast and warned vehicle owners to keep off the streets during heavy rain for safety.

The Director General of the Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Authority (KWASAA), Mr. Olorunshola Omotayo, said efforts are ongoing to clear the fallen signposts and restore free flow of traffic, and that the damage will be evaluated.

Kwara State Governor Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq expressed sympathy for those affected by the storm. A statement signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, on Friday noted that the governor described the incidents as “unfortunate” and lamented the havoc wrought on public and private property in Ilorin metropolis, Oke‑Ero and other areas. The governor commended the agencies working to remove the fallen signposts and clear the highways, and pledged collaboration with the federal government to address flooding. He also appealed to the public to avoid littering drainage channels or obstructing water flow.