Thursday, March 28, 2024

Scores rendered homeless as rainstorm destroys over 150 houses, public amenities in Ijesaland

BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO

Several persons have been rendered homeless after heavy downpour accompanied by storms destroyed more than 150 buildings in some communities in Ijesaland, Osun State.

Aside from residential buildings, public amenities, including schools, hospitals, electricity polls, Churches and market stalls were severely damaged by the storm.

Owing to the destructions, many have been rendered homeless while affected communities have been thrown into total blackout as victims count other losses.

In Ere-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, residents were on Saturday, March 4, 2023, thrown into sadness after an evening downpour blew off the roofs of their houses while their properties soaked in water. Some electricity facilities across the town were also destroyed, thereby subjecting the residents to total blackout.

The traditional ruler of the town, Oba Augustine Adenipekun Alowolodu, Elere of Ere-Ilesa, called on the state government to come to the aid of the victims, saying over 100 buildings were destroyed.

Further checks in the town showed that the rainstorm accompanied by heavy wind, completely destroyed the auditorium belonging to the United Baptist Church. In other areas, rooftops of many buildings were blown away, while household items, such as kitchen utensils, foams and electronic appliances littered everywhere.

The affected residents lamented their plights and begged for assistance from the government and philanthropists.

Similarly, in Iwoye-Ijesa community of same council area, property worth millions of naira were destroyed, following a rainstorm that occured on March 5. It was gathered that more than 50 houses, including blocks of classrooms, churches and market stalls were blown away by the heavy wind.

Speaking on the development, the traditional ruler of the community, Oluwoye of Iwoye-Ijesa, Oba Amos Ogidiolu, said the rain, which lasted for about 15 minutes, wreaked havoc on the town and left victims in pain.

Oba Ogidiolu appealed to the Oriade Local Government Authority, the state government and well-meaning individuals to come to the aid of residents who have been rendered homeless.

Also speaking, a community leader, Chief Oludare Ajayi and a trader, Mrs Omolola Oginni, described the situation as a complete disaster, noting that an incident of such magnitude had never occurred in the community.

The duo called on Iwoye-Ijesa sons and daughters in the Diaspora to assist their people in the trying period.

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