A severe rainstorm struck the Obeiba and Usungwe communities in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State on Monday night, unleashing destruction on a massive scale.
The natural disaster, described as one of the most devastating in recent times, damaged over 100 residential structures, including schools, and left thousands of residents homeless and in urgent need of assistance.
In the aftermath of the storm, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Hon. Amoka Eneji, led a team of local officials on an on-the-ground assessment of the damage. Hon. Eneji, visibly emotional during his visit, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and devastation experienced by the communities.
During his tour of the affected areas, he interacted with victims, took stock of the destruction, and offered words of comfort and solidarity.
He was accompanied by several key members of his administration, including the Councillor representing Obeiba 1 and Eika-Ohizenyi Ward, Hon. Anako Aishat Okidi, Hon. Victoria Ohunene James, and other cabinet members.
In his remarks, Hon. Eneji extended heartfelt sympathies to those impacted, assuring them of the local government’s unwavering support. He stressed that his administration, in collaboration with the state government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, is committed to prioritizing the welfare and well-being of every citizen, particularly in times of crisis.
He also issued a public appeal to key humanitarian agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and relevant non-governmental organizations (NGOs), urging them to provide urgent relief materials and reconstruction support to the affected residents.
“The scale of this disaster requires a collective and immediate response. We are doing all we can at the local level, but we need support from state and federal institutions to help our people rebuild their lives,” Hon. Eneji stated.
Community leaders and residents expressed gratitude for the chairman’s prompt response and compassionate visit. They commended his commitment to the affected families and pledged continued support for the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state.
Many of the victims called on the state government, federal authorities, and disaster response agencies to expedite their interventions, citing the urgent need for food, shelter, clothing, and building materials as they seek to recover from the storm’s aftermath.