The devastating windstorm that tore through Njegbeje Village in the Igodor Community of Nkum Iborr Ward, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State has plunged the community into chaos. Chief Matthew Igrami Egbor, the Village Head, has described the disaster as the most severe natural calamity in the community’s history. He urgently called on state, federal authorities, and humanitarian agencies to intervene, as residents face mounting threats of starvation, homelessness, and disease.

Worst Disaster in History: A Community Shattered Overnight

According to Chief Egbor, the violent windstorm struck without warning, causing widespread destruction across the village. It flattened residential buildings, uprooted economic trees, and wiped out hectares of farmland—critical sources of food and income for the community.

“This disaster struck unexpectedly and with such force that we could hardly comprehend it,” Chief Egbor lamented. “Our homes, our crops, and our trees—everything is gone. Many of us are now forced to sleep on bare ground under makeshift shelters made from scraps.”

As a result, hundreds of villagers—both natives and non-natives—are now displaced, living in squalid conditions without food, clean water, or access to medical care. With their means of livelihood completely wiped out, the threat of famine looms large.

Plea for Help: Traditional Leader Calls for Swift Action

Consequently, Chief Egbor has made an emotional appeal to government agencies and relief organizations. He stressed that the people of Njegbeje are in desperate need of immediate assistance, including food supplies, temporary shelter, potable water, and basic medical attention.

“We need urgent help,” he said. “Starvation and illness are already setting in. This is a disaster beyond anything we’ve ever faced, and without intervention, it will only get worse.”

Council Chairman Confirms Billion-Naira Losses

Meanwhile, during an on-the-spot assessment of the destruction, Chairman of the Ogoja Local Government Council, Christopher Agbeh, echoed the traditional ruler’s concerns. He described the windstorm as a “monumental and unnatural disaster,” which has inflicted losses amounting to over ₦1 billion in destroyed property, economic trees, and farmlands.

“This is a tragic situation that demands immediate and coordinated response from both the state and federal governments,” Agbeh stated. “Hundreds are homeless, and our people have lost everything they rely on to survive.”

He confirmed that discussions with emergency agencies are already underway to ensure the rapid delivery of relief materials to affected households. Additionally, he assured residents that reconstruction efforts, including the rebuilding of homes and provision of temporary housing, would soon begin.

Unprepared and Exposed: Environmental Crisis Worsens in Rural Areas

This disaster once again exposes how vulnerable rural communities in Nigeria remain in the face of extreme weather events. As climate change accelerates, the frequency and intensity of such natural disasters are expected to increase. However, due to a lack of early warning systems, poor housing infrastructure, and absence of disaster preparedness strategies, many rural settlements remain unprotected.

In Njegbeje’s case, the destruction could have been mitigated if climate-resilient housing, reforestation efforts, and basic emergency infrastructure had been in place. Yet, like many other communities, it continues to suffer the consequences of systemic neglect.

Moving Forward: From Relief to Resilience

While immediate aid remains the top priority, experts and local leaders agree that a long-term recovery strategy must follow. To truly restore and rebuild Njegbeje, authorities must move beyond ad-hoc interventions and instead invest in:

• Climate-resilient housing construction

• Reforestation and windbreak structures

• Irrigation and sustainable farming support

• Emergency shelters and early-warning systems

• Community-based disaster training and risk mitigation

Moreover, public-private partnerships and international donor support will play a crucial role in ensuring the community’s recovery and resilience against future environmental threats.

Community Voices: “We Just Want to Live Again”

For the hundreds of villagers now living in the ruins of what was once a thriving agricultural hub, time is of the essence. Hunger, illness, and fear have replaced the sense of stability they once knew. Unless swift and sustained intervention arrives, Njegbeje may face an even deeper humanitarian crisis.

As Chief Egbor passionately stated, “We have lost everything. All we ask now is that the government and kind-hearted organizations help us stand again.”

Ultimately, the tragedy in Njegbeje must serve as a wake-up call. Nigeria cannot afford to remain reactive in the face of natural disasters. The time to invest in rural resilience, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation is now. Only then can communities like Njegbeje be truly protected—and only then can displaced residents reclaim their lives with dignity.