On a humid afternoon in Ilorin, residents of Sabo-Oke woke to the sight of heavy-duty locks and red “sealed” tapes across several music joints and event halls. The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) had swung into action overnight, shutting six facilities accused of violating noise regulations.
For years, locals had spoken in hushed tones about the late-night thumping of speakers, vibrations shaking windows, and sleepless nights. Elderly residents say they counted lost hours of sleep, children weeping, and windows trembling after midnight. A few bold voices whispered complaints to local officials; most just endured, convinced nothing would change. Until now.
The state government says the closure is part of a broader crackdown on environmental misuse. The Commissioner for Environment noted that many venues lacked proper soundproofing, ignored operating hours, and operated without noise permits. The law, she asserted, is clear: sound levels beyond safe limits are considered a nuisance, and repeat violations merit closure.
One of the shuttered businesses, a popular event hall called “Rhythm Palace,” had been a household name in Ilorin’s nightlife. The owner, Mr. Afolabi, arrived the morning after the seals were put in place, stunned. He insisted he had applied for a permit months ago and had invested heavily in insulation. He pleaded for a chance to appeal. But that plea would come later.
From market traders who struggled to call customers after 9 p.m., to teachers complaining of disturbed classes, the ripple effects of nightly blasts had spread far beyond entertainers and partygoers. Several residents say their health was affected: migraines, earaches, and irritability swept through neighborhoods where sound systems reigned.
Now, whispers of discontent mingle with cautious hope. Some applaud the government’s move as overdue. Others fear that enforcement will stop after the noise complaints die down.
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