A devastating rainstorm hit Itobe District in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Wednesday night, destroying more than 500 homes and critical public infrastructure. The disaster displaced hundreds of residents, many of whom now face extreme hardship.

The storm, which came with heavy winds and torrential rainfall, damaged schools, health centers, churches, mosques, and electric poles. It left behind widespread destruction and a desperate plea for relief.

Six villages flattened overnight

The impact stretched across six communities—Itobe, Adumu, Oladebu, Ajegwu, Itagidi, and Itobe-Niniya. Residents described a night of terror as winds ripped through rooftops and flung household items into the open.

Eyewitnesses said trees fell across roads, power lines snapped, and families scattered in panic. Several people suffered injuries while attempting to escape collapsing buildings.

By Thursday morning, hundreds had been rendered homeless. Many families huddled in makeshift shelters or slept outdoors, lacking food, clean water, and access to medical care.

Traditional leader calls for emergency support

Alhaji Akwu Obaje, the Ejeh of Ofu, visited the hardest-hit areas and described the situation as “disheartening and unbearable.”

“The scene is chaotic. Roofs are gone, trees have fallen, and power lines lie across the roads,” he told reporters. “Families are homeless. We need urgent help—food, shelter, and medical supplies.”

He appealed to both the federal and Kogi State governments, urging them to treat the situation as an emergency. He also called on private individuals, NGOs, and corporate bodies to send relief materials to the area.

“This is not just a natural disaster; it is a humanitarian crisis,” he added. “People have lost everything overnight.”

Victims speak out: ‘We’re already suffering, now this’

Some of the storm victims spoke to reporters through tears and frustration.

Atabo Okolo, a father of four from Oladebu, said the storm made their hardship worse. “The house collapsed with everything inside. We need government support now. The economy is already hard. This has pushed us over the edge.”

In Adumu, Momoh Alifiya described how the rain took off their roof while her family was inside. “The children were screaming. We thought we wouldn’t survive.”

Another resident, Usman Gene from Itobe-Niniya, added, “We are pleading with the government and any agency that can help. Our houses are gone. We have nothing left. We need support to survive.”

No official response yet

As of Friday morning, the Kogi State Government had not issued an official statement. However, pressure continues to mount from community leaders and humanitarian groups for a swift response.

Emergency aid, including tents, blankets, food, water, and health kits, remains urgently needed. Health workers also warned of potential disease outbreaks due to exposure and lack of clean water.

What’s at stake if help doesn’t come

With the rainy season just beginning, residents fear more storms may follow. Community members worry that without quick intervention, the situation could worsen and lead to a long-term crisis.

Experts say the damage highlights the lack of disaster preparedness in many rural areas across Nigeria. They call for long-term investments in early warning systems, building standards, and emergency response.

Conclusion

The rainstorm in Itobe District has left a lasting mark on the people of Ofu LGA. It flattened homes, shattered livelihoods, and exposed the community’s vulnerability. While the cries for help grow louder, affected residents continue to wait—hoping someone listens, and acts—before it’s too late.