A catastrophic rainstorm hit Itobe District in the Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday night, causing extensive damage across the region. The storm demolished over 500 homes, displacing numerous families and leaving them without shelter.
The property loss is estimated to be worth millions of naira, impacting schools, healthcare centers, electric poles, places of worship, and resulting in injuries among several residents. The Ejeh of Ofu, Akwu Obaje, has urgently called for assistance for the affected families, labeling the destruction “disheartening.”
The traditional ruler highlighted the scale of devastation across six villages, including Itobe, Adumu, Oladebu, Ajegwu, and Itagidi. He described the chaotic scene, with roofs torn off buildings, uprooted trees, and severed power lines.
“The destruction has left many families without shelter, and our community is in urgent need of aid,” Obaje stated. He urged the government, corporate organizations, and compassionate citizens to take immediate action to support the victims and help rebuild their lives.
“This disaster has intensified the hardships faced by our community amid ongoing economic challenges. We are appealing to the state and federal governments for swift intervention,” he emphasized.
The storm’s fierce winds and torrential rains have left residents in dire need of shelter, medical assistance, and food supplies. Vulnerable groups, particularly children and the elderly, are most affected.
Victims, including local residents, have made urgent appeals for help. One resident, Atabo Okolo from Oladebu, expressed the need for immediate support to recover from the disaster. “We are looking to the government for prompt action,” he said.
Usman Gene from Itobe-Niniya echoed similar sentiments, urging collaborative efforts from the government and relevant agencies to provide necessary support for recovery efforts in their communities.
