Itobe, Kogi State – March 27, 2024 – A devastating rainstorm tore through Itobe District in the Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday night, leaving over 500 homes destroyed and hundreds of residents displaced.

The storm, accompanied by fierce winds and torrential rains, caused widespread destruction across six villages, including Itobe, Adumu, Oladebu, Ajegwu, and Itagidi. Critical infrastructure such as schools, health centers, electric poles, churches, and mosques was severely damaged, while several residents sustained injuries.

The Ejeh of Ofu, Akwu Obaje, described the aftermath as “disheartening” and called for urgent intervention from the government and well-meaning individuals.

“The scene is chaotic, with roofs torn off buildings, trees uprooted, and power lines snapped. The destruction caused by the rainstorm has left many families without shelter, and the community is in dire need of support,” Obaje said.

He urged the government, corporate bodies, and charitable organizations to respond swiftly to provide relief materials and assist in rebuilding the affected communities.

Residents Appeal for Immediate Assistance

Victims of the storm, including Atabo Okolo from Oladebu, Momoh Alifiya from Adumu, and Usman Gene from Itobe-Niniya, also pleaded for immediate intervention to alleviate their suffering.

“We need immediate intervention to rebuild our lives because the destruction has worsened the hardship we are already facing due to economic challenges in the country. We are now looking to the state and federal governments for swift action,” Okolo said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Usman Gene called on relevant agencies to collaborate and provide urgent relief to the affected families.

The storm has left many families, particularly children and the elderly, vulnerable and in desperate need of shelter, medical aid, and food supplies.

As the community grapples with the aftermath, the Ejeh of Ofu has reiterated his appeal for swift intervention to restore hope and rebuild the lives of those impacted by the disaster.