A severe rainstorm swept through Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, as well as Ogele and Eyenkorin in Asa Local Government Area on Sunday, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. No fewer than 200 houses, multiple public schools, and electric infrastructure were significantly damaged, plunging several areas into darkness and displacing numerous residents.
The violent storm, which accompanied the heavy downpour, disrupted Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in the affected communities. Eyewitnesses reported that roofs were torn off residential and commercial buildings, while over 20 structures, including schools, shops, and business premises, completely collapsed under the force of the wind.
Speaking on the devastation, Zubairu Abiola, Vice Chairman of Ifelodun Community in Eyenkorin, described the incident as catastrophic and urged the Kwara State Government to provide urgent relief.
“The destruction is enormous, leaving many residents homeless overnight. We appeal to the state government for urgent intervention and rehabilitation efforts,” Abiola stated.
Many displaced residents were seen moving their belongings in search of temporary shelter as they awaited government support and assistance from humanitarian organizations.
The storm also damaged power lines and electric poles, causing extensive outages in affected neighborhoods. Additionally, debris carried by the strong winds clogged drainage systems, including the Kuntu Bridge in Ilorin West Local Government Area, further exacerbating infrastructural challenges in the state.
Among the worst-hit areas were Eyenkorin, Ogele, Ifelodun, Ifesowapo, Orisunbare, Odo-Akuo, Apata Ajele, Alagbado Eyenkorin, Basa, Yakoyo, and Lekki. Public infrastructure also suffered severe damage, with the roofs of Ogele Primary School, Ansarul-Deen Primary School, and D-Light A-Nur Nursery/Primary School completely blown off.
Private institutions were not spared, as at least 15 private schools, including Community Secondary School, Apata Ajele, and Wilson School in Alagbado, experienced extensive damage, with some classrooms collapsing. The storm also tore off the roof of Government Day Secondary School and significantly damaged baseball facilities in Adeta, Ilorin West.
Government officials and community leaders have begun assessing the extent of the damage. Calls have been made for swift intervention to address the crisis, including temporary shelters for affected residents, emergency relief supplies, and infrastructural repairs.
Residents are hopeful that Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, will respond with the same commitment previously demonstrated in disaster relief efforts. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations and philanthropists have been urged to assist in alleviating the suffering of those impacted by the disaster.
