Rainstorm Destroys Over 40 Houses, Displaces Residents in Kogi Community

Rainstorm Destroys Over 40 Houses, Displaces Residents in Kogi Community

A heavy rainstorm has destroyed more than 40 houses in Egbeda-Egga community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, leaving several families homeless and struggling to cope with the aftermath.

Residents said the storm, which accompanied a rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, caused widespread damage across the community, pulling down residential buildings and affecting churches, schools and small businesses.

The National President of the Egbeda-Egga Development Union, Emmanuel Dare Otitolaiye, described the situation as devastating, noting that many affected residents have been forced to seek temporary shelter with neighbours and relatives.

“Several residents have been displaced and are currently taking shelter with neighbours and relatives,” Otitolaiye said.

He called on government authorities and humanitarian organisations to urgently provide relief materials to support those affected by the disaster.

“We urge the authorities to provide immediate support for our people who have lost their homes, businesses and sources of livelihood,” he added.

According to him, the community urgently needs emergency assistance, including temporary shelter, food supplies and medical support to help victims recover from the impact of the storm.

The Okun Development Association (ODA) also expressed concern over the destruction caused by the rainstorm, describing the development as unfortunate and painful for the affected residents.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Dayo Thomas, the association said it stands in solidarity with families who lost property and means of livelihood.

“We believe that collective efforts can help alleviate the suffering and rebuild the community. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the affected families and individuals, acknowledging their pain and struggles,” Thomas said.

Meanwhile, a source at the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that the agency had been informed about the incident and was preparing to assess the extent of the damage.

“The agency is aware of the incident. We are already preparing to move into the community to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary response,” the source said.