Many residents have been rendered homeless and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance following a rainstorm that destroyed no fewer than 20 houses, as well as farmlands, in the Nghassi community of Mandar Ward in Bokkos Local Council Area of Plateau State.

The rainstorm, which occurred at about 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, wreaked havoc across the community, blowing off rooftops, uprooting trees, bringing down buildings and destroying property worth millions of naira.

A resident of the community, Mr Bulus Ayuba Ritji, said the downpour was accompanied by strong winds that left a trail of destruction, forcing many families to seek temporary shelter with neighbours and relatives.

Ritji noted that though no lives were lost, many residents lost their homes, food items, clothing and other valuables, leaving them in distress. He disclosed that “over 20 houses were affected, and the people are now homeless and urgently need support from the government, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals.”

Confirming the sad incident to newsmen, the Bokkos Local Council Youth Leader, Christopher Luka, appealed to the Plateau State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA), humanitarian organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians for urgent relief materials, temporary shelter and other assistance to cushion the victims’ sufferings.