A powerful windstorm on Sunday evening destroyed over 200 houses, schools and electric cables in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, and Ogele/Eyenkorin in Asa Local Government Area.
The storm, which accompanied heavy rainfall, disrupted Eid-el-Fitr celebrations and left many residents homeless. Reports indicate that more than 20 buildings, including schools, shops and business premises, collapsed due to the storm’s intensity.
Vice Chairman of Ifelodun Community in Eyenkorin, Zubairu Abiola, described the damage as severe and called for urgent government intervention. He appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to assist affected residents in rebuilding their homes and restoring normalcy.
The storm also brought down electricity poles and wires, causing a blackout in many areas. Additionally, debris carried by the wind blocked drainage systems, including the Kuntu bridge in Ilorin West Local Government Area.
Among the worst hit communities are Eyenkorin, Ogele, Ifelodun, Ifesowapo, Orisunbare, Odo-Akuo, Apata Ajele, Alagbado Eyenkorin, Basa, Yakoyo and Lekki. Schools severely damaged include Ogele Primary School, Ansarul-Deen Primary School, and D-Light A-Nur Nursery/Primary School, all of which lost their roofs. At least 15 private schools and Government Day Secondary School also suffered major destruction, with some classrooms collapsing.
Many affected residents have been forced to seek shelter with neighbors as they await assistance from the government and well meaning individuals.