A torrential rainfall accompanied by windstorms on Thursday night has wreaked havoc in the Ilorin metropolis of Kwara State, North Central Nigeria.
It damaged private and commercial residents, cars, electric poles, cables and signposts belonging to political parties.
Sawmill, Gerin Alimi, Ibrahim Taiwo, Unity, Ita-Amodu, Oro Road, Edun Street, Stadium Road and other areas in the metropolis and outside the state capitol were affected by the evening windstorms.
Several signposts were damaged and trees that fell as a result of the windstorm led to the blockage of major roads at Sawmill, Ibrahim Taiwo and Unity areas of the state capital.
The Authorities of the state fire service, who confirmed the incident, said “It did not, however, claim any life.”
Meanwhile, the State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has described the rainstorm and flooding incidents in some parts of the state as ‘unfortunate.’
Reacting to the incidents, Governor Abdulrazaq sympathised with residents of Ilorin and some communities in the state.
A statement released in Ilorin on Friday by the Governor’s spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, said “the Governor is sad about the havoc the rainstorm wreaked on public and private properties, especially in the Ilorin metropolis, Oke Ero, and some other areas.”
It said; ”the Governor is aware and commended the ongoing efforts of relevant government agencies to evacuate the many fallen signposts and clear the highways for free movement of traffic.
“The state government will collaborate with the Nigerian Government to continually tackle the question of flooding,” the statement read.
The Kwara State government appealed to members of the public to avoid littering the drainages or blocking the free flow of water.
A cross-section of those affected also appealed to the state government, well-to-do individuals and organisations to come to their aid as the extent of the damage is beyond what they can cope with, especially with the present cashless policy of the Central Bank Nigeria that is hitting hard on the citizens.
According to them, “they never envisaged such a disaster” describing it as a great loss.’
Some of them that their building roofs were completely blown off said they have to relocate to neighbours or family homes pending the time repairs on their abodes would be carried out.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
