Several households across the 16 local councils of Ekiti State have been rendered homeless, and many have lost their livelihoods following a destructive rainstorm on Saturday in Ado Ekiti and other parts of the state.
The worst-hit areas were residential buildings, commercial structures, and public institutions. Electrical facilities were severely impacted, with numerous poles and telecommunication masts being brought down by the strong winds.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, toured the affected areas yesterday to assess the extent of the damage. The governor expressed his concerns over the massive destruction, describing it as monumental and worrisome. However, he was relieved that no casualties had been reported.
While some structures experienced only partial damage, in some places, the destruction was so severe that entire rooftops and buildings were swept away, leaving the owners with significant financial burdens.
The governor appealed to the federal government for timely intervention and assured victims that his government, committed to the welfare of the people, would not abandon those affected.
He said, “You can see that the destruction was massive, and there is no way it won’t be a financial burden on those affected. Though we are happy that no life was lost, that is the most important thing to us.”
He also emphasised the need for residents to undertake regular maintenance of their buildings before the start of the rainy season, as well as the importance of planting trees around homes to serve as windbreakers, which could help mitigate such occurrences in the future.
“We deeply sympathise with those affected. As we have said, we won’t abandon them. We are with them, and the government will surely intervene and provide the support required to rebuild these damaged structures,” he promised.
Also, Oyebanji assured victims that operatives from the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) would revisit the affected areas to evaluate the damage and identify the victims, which will help guide the government’s intervention efforts.
He directed SEMA to carry out a thorough evaluation and enumeration exercise in collaboration with NEMA, ensuring that all affected victims and their losses are properly documented.
The Chairman of Ado North LCDA, Mr Tokunbo Gbadamosi, urged residents to refrain from spreading panic on social media, stating that the government was actively managing the situation.
“Our people should not panic. The current government is focused on the welfare of the masses. Those affected will be supported to overcome these challenges. This is a collective issue, and it will be resolved collectively,” he said.
