By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed deep sadness following a devastating rainstorm that destroyed over 200 buildings and displaced more than 500 residents in Ijero Ekiti. 

The disaster occurred during a torrential downpour on Wednesday, affecting homes, markets, and the Ekiti State College of Technology.

Representing the Governor during an on-the-spot assessment on Thursday, Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye toured the affected areas to evaluate the damage. The Governor lamented the scale of the destruction, noting that many homeowners have been forced to seek refuge as tenants with neighbors.

To assist those affected, the state government has directed the State Emergency Management Agency to begin an immediate enumeration of the victims.

This data will be used to provide financial and material support to help residents rebuild their homes and businesses.

Governor Oyebanji emphasized that his administration remains committed to the welfare of citizens, having already spent over N300 million on disaster relief in the past year. He urged residents to plant trees around their properties and maintain their buildings to mitigate the impact of future storms.

The Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, thanked the state government for its swift response, noting that the visit alone provided much-needed hope to the community.

He described the storm as one of the most severe in recent memory, affecting nearly every street in the town.

Addressing the crowd during the visit, the Deputy Governor stated, “We are here to sympathise with the victims and to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. We are saddened by the level of havoc and destruction we have seen. But we thank God that no life was lost.”