Properties worth millions of naira were yesterday, destroyed by rainstorm that wreaked havoc in Ipogun, Ifedore Local Council Area of Ondo State.
The Guardian gathered that the heavy downpour was the third rainfall in the community within the last four days and the heaviest in decades.
Although no casualties were recorded, it destroyed residential buildings, shops, church and school buildings, electric poles, and a part of the community’s health center.
The incident occurred barely 24 hours after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) advised that normal rainfall would begin in early 2023, before the long-term average.
Some of the victims stated that the rain, which started out normal but started blowing off rooftops and demolishing everything in its path, later, destroyed the Deeper Life Bible Church in the community.
One of the victims, Bosede Omoniyi, lamented that the rain damaged her property and appealed to the State Government for immediate assistance.
She said: “My shop and commodities were devastated by the rain. Even though the rain pour lasted for two hours, it was just too heavy for us to rescue anything. The rain destroyed more than 200 homes. We are pleading with the governor and other philanthropists to help us.”
Another victim also recounted their ordeal “I was called by other residents that my father’s house had been destroyed by the rain. It is painful because it blew off the rooftops and the most annoying thing is that building materials are now expensive. I will appreciate it if the government can assist us too.”
While sending a save our soul message to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as well as State Emergency Management, to come to their aid, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the council, Mr. Tunde Fawoyi called on both the state and federal lawmakers representing Ifedore to come to their rescue.
The Adapogun of Ipogun, Oba Raphael Oluwadare Ojo, who described the incident as the most pathetic in the history of the community, said the downpour was unprecedented in recent years.
