Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Kogi community, over 40 houses destroyed

Residents of Egbeda-Egga community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State are counting their losses following a rainstorm that destroyed more than 40 houses and other structures in the area.

The storm, which struck the community during a heavy downpour, also affected churches, schools and business premises, destroyed property estimated to be worth millions of naira.

National president of the Egbeda-Egga Development Union (EDU), Emmanuel Dare Otitolaiye, who spoke to journalists, described the disaster as severe and beyond the capacity of the affected residents and the community to handle.

He said many families have been rendered homeless and are currently taking refuge with neighbours and relatives.

He appealed to the chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently intervene and provide relief materials to victims.

“We urge the authorities to provide immediate assistance to our people who have lost their homes, businesses and livelihoods,” Otitolaiye said.

ALSO READ: 2027: Why I’ll campaign, vote for Tinubu — Remi Surutu

He stressed that the affected residents require shelter, food and medical support to help them recover from the disaster, especially in view of the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

Otitolaiye also called on non-governmental organisations, philanthropists and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the community in its relief efforts.

The Egbeda-Egga Development Union, he said, has begun mobilising support to assist the affected families, but noted that more help is needed to enable the victims rebuild their lives.