Shocking – rainstorm destroys over 500 houses in kogi state

A violent rainstorm struck Itobe District in Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State, on Wednesday night, causing massive destruction.

The storm, which came with fierce winds and heavy rain, left over 500 houses destroyed, rendering many families homeless.

Schools, health centres, churches, mosques, and electric poles were not spared as the disaster swept through six communities.

The affected villages include Itobe, Adumu, Oladebu, Ajegwu, and Itagidi, where several residents sustained various degrees of injuries.

Property worth millions of naira was lost, worsening the already difficult economic situation for many families in the area.

The traditional ruler of Ofu, Ejeh Akwu Obaje, described the situation as heartbreaking and called for urgent government intervention.

“The level of destruction is disheartening. Roofs have been blown off, trees uprooted, and power lines destroyed,” he lamented.

Obaje stressed that the affected families are in desperate need of food, shelter, and medical support.

He urged the state and federal governments to act swiftly to provide relief and assistance to the victims.

“The government and well-meaning Nigerians must come to the aid of our people to help them rebuild their lives,” he said.

Many residents have been left stranded, with children and the elderly among the worst hit by the disaster.

Survivors are struggling to find temporary shelter and food, as the devastation has worsened their suffering.

Some affected residents who spoke to our correspondent appealed for immediate help from the authorities.

Atabo Okolo, a resident of Oladebu, said the hardship caused by the storm had worsened their already difficult situation.

“We have lost everything, the economy is already tough, and this disaster has made things even worse,” Okolo lamented.

He pleaded with the state and federal governments to take urgent steps to assist displaced residents.

Another victim, Momoh Alifiya from Adumu, described the storm as the worst disaster to hit the community in years.

“We are left with nothing, our houses, farms, and businesses have been destroyed. We need urgent intervention,” he said.

Usman Gene, a resident of Itobe-Niniya, also called for government and corporate bodies to provide relief materials.

“We need urgent assistance to rebuild our homes and recover from this disaster,” Gene pleaded.

Many residents are now relying on neighbours and local support while waiting for external help.

Community leaders and volunteers have been mobilizing resources to provide temporary assistance to the victims.

Despite their efforts, the needs of the displaced persons are overwhelming, requiring urgent intervention from authorities.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government is yet to release an official statement regarding the disaster.

Residents are hopeful that both state and federal agencies will intervene quickly to provide relief.

For now, the people of Itobe District remain in distress, counting their losses and hoping for swift assistance.

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