A devastating rainstorm tore through Itobe District in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday night, destroying over 500 houses and leaving hundreds of residents homeless.
The storm, marked by fierce winds and heavy rainfall, caused extensive damage to schools, health centres, churches, mosques, and electric poles. The disaster has left many families in distress, with several residents sustaining injuries as they scrambled for safety.
The Ejeh of Ofu, Akwu Obaje, who visited the affected areas, described the destruction as “disheartening”; and called for urgent intervention to alleviate the suffering of the victims.
“The scene is chaotic, with roofs ripped off buildings, trees uprooted, and power lines snapped. Many families have been left without shelter, and the community is in dire need of support,”; the traditional ruler lamented.
He listed six villages severely affected by the storm, including Itobe, Adumu, Oladebu, Ajegwu, and Itagidi, while appealing to the government, corporate organizations, and philanthropists to provide immediate relief to the victims.
“I urge the government and compassionate Nigerians to help restore hope to those who have lost their homes and means of livelihood,”; Obaje reiterated.
The storm’s aftermath has left vulnerable groups, particularly children and the elderly, struggling to access food, shelter, and medical care.
Some of the victims, including Atabo Okolo from Oladebu, Momoh Alifiya from Adumu, and Usman Gene from Itobe-Niniya, expressed their plight and called for swift government intervention.
“We need immediate assistance to rebuild our lives. This disaster has worsened the hardship we are already facing due to economic challenges in the country,”; Okolo said.
The state government is yet to issue an official statement on the disaster.
