Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has extended his sympathy to residents impacted by a devastating rainstorm that struck parts of the state on Saturday.

The storm, which lasted for several hours, caused significant damage to both private and public properties across the region.

A statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.

The governor, deeply concerned by the scale of the destruction, has ordered the State Emergency Management Agency to begin an immediate assessment of the damage, with the aim of providing assistance to the victims.

“We are in this together,” the statement quoted Governor Oyebanji, who reassured residents that the government would stand by them during this difficult time.

He called for calm and encouraged citizens to continue their daily activities without fear, as the government takes necessary steps to address the damage.

“The administration is committed to the welfare and well-being of the people of the state and will not leave any stone unturned in providing timely support to the victims of the rainstorm,” he said.

In Kwara State, a similar disaster occurred on Saturday at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area.

The rainstorm, which struck in the afternoon, caused severe damage to camp facilities, although no lives were lost.

The state Coordinator of the Kwara NYSC, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa, confirmed the incident, describing it as “a natural phenomenon” and “very devastating.” He expressed relief that, despite the extensive damage, all corps members and staff remained unharmed.

“The storm destroyed the roof of the Administrative Block, partially affected the multipurpose hall, and damaged the camp mosque, the camp market, and several hostel blocks that housed corps members and officials,” Onifade said. “Two vehicles belonging to camp officials were also crushed when a large tree was uprooted by the strong winds.”

The Kwara State Commissioner for Youth Development, Shehu Ndanusa-Usman, visited the camp to assess the situation, as did the Etsu Tsaraji, HRH Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi, who expressed solidarity with the NYSC community.

“The most important thing is that no lives were lost,” Onifade said. “We are grateful for the safety of all corps members and staff, and they are well accommodated.”

The rainstorm also affected communities in Ilesha Baruba and other parts of Baruten Local Government Area in the northern part of Kwara State on Friday night.

The disaster caused significant damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure, with several residents injured and one person reported dead.

The Emir of Ilesha Baruba, Prof. Halidu Abubakar, expressed his concern, noting the severity of the storm and its impact on local residents. “Some victims were severely affected, with one confirmed dead and several others injured by collapsing walls and roofing planks,” he said. “The storm also blew off rooftops and destroyed foodstuffs and warehouses.”

He called for urgent government intervention to address the widespread damage and alleviate the suffering of affected households.

Local residents echoed this call, with victims like Alhaji Ibrahim Mora and Mallam Abdullahi Ibrahim sharing their experiences of losing roofs and sustaining structural damage to their homes.

“We need prompt government intervention to restore our homes and livelihoods,” said Alhaji Ibrahim Mora. “The damage is extensive, and many victims are forced to seek shelter with neighbours while awaiting help.”

https://punchng.com/govt-promises-support-as-rainstorms-wreak-havoc-in-ekiti-kwara/