Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed deep sympathy for victims of a rainstorm that ravaged about 200 houses and displaced over 500 residents in Ijero Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of the state.
Oyebanji conveyed his sympathy on Thursday during an on-the-spot assessment of the level of destruction caused by a torrential downpour that lasted more than two hours on Wednesday.
Residential buildings, religious centres, market stalls and public institutions, including the Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero Ekiti, were badly affected by the storm.
Represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the governor toured the affected areas and lamented the extent of the damage, with roofs blown off and several buildings reduced to ruins.
He said he was particularly heartbroken by the rising number of victims and the displacement of hundreds of residents from their homes as a result of the havoc wreaked on their properties.
The governor assured that all affected houses would be captured by operatives of the State Emergency Management Agency during enumeration to enable the owners receive adequate support to rebuild their destroyed property.
Highlighting measures taken by the government to alleviate the victims’ suffering, Oyebanji said his administration had expended over N300 million in the past year to rebuild properties destroyed by fire and rainstorms.
He also stressed the need for building owners to plant trees around their homes and ensure annual maintenance of their buildings to prevent a recurrence of such devastating incidents.
“We are here to sympathise with the victims and to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. We are saddened by the level of havoc and destruction we have seen. But we thank God that no life was lost.
“This is a government that has always come to the aid of victims of incidents like this. I assure you that we will not abandon you. We share in your pain.
“We are sad that many homeowners are now seeking refuge with neighbours as tenants. It is a sad situation and we are not happy about it. That is why it is important to take all necessary precautions before the rainy season begins each year.”
Commending the governor for his concern for the victims, the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, described the rainstorm as severe and long-lasting, noting that the level of destruction was alarming.
- Oyebanji Lauds President Tinubu’s Reforms, receives Leadership Governor of the Year Award
- Ekiti Govt Sponsors 3,400 Students for 2026 JAMB UTME, Pays N600m WAEC Fees
- Oyebanji Expresses Sadness as Rainstorm Destroys Over 200 Buildings, Displaces 500 in Ekiti Community
- GOV OYEBANJI TO RECEIVE LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER’S GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
- Ekiti First Lady calls for end to FGM as prevalence rate falls to 48%
The monarch revealed that virtually all the streets in the town were affected, with many residents displaced and forced to seek shelter with neighbours.
“I want to appreciate the governor for showing concern for our people in this matter. I know the Ekiti State Government is passionate about the welfare of the people. With the concern you have shown, I am confident that you will surely help them. Even your visit alone has given the victims the needed hope,” he said.
During the visit to the affected tertiary institution, the Rector of Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero Ekiti, Dr Moses Olufemi Olubamise, lamented that five buildings and ongoing projects were destroyed by the storm.
Olubamise added that the rainstorm nearly disrupted ongoing examinations as some halls were blown off, but the management quickly improvised alternative venues to prevent any disruption to the academic calendar.
“Our Director of Works is still assessing the level of damage to five of our projects so that we can present the report to the state government for timely consideration and intervention,” he said.