Rainstorm Wreaks Havoc In Lokoja

Heavy rainstorm on Thursday night caused widespread destruction across Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, damaging public facilities, electricity infrastructure, trees, billboards and vehicles in several parts.

The storm, which lasted about an hour, tore off the roof of an office block at the headquarters of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), affecting critical departments and disrupting official activities.

Confirming the incident, Suleiman Makama, the assistant general manager, corporate affairs of NIWA, said it the affected the building that houses the Engineering, Survey, Special Duties, Project Management and Area Office Coordination departments.

The storm also damaged a 33KVA transformer opposite the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, resulting in a fire outbreak that destroyed five fuel dispensing pumps at the A.A. Rano Filling Station.

The filling station has since been shut down following the incident, with only one dispensing machine left intact.

Other locations affected by the storm include the Police Area Command near the Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Works, where a large tree was uprooted by the strong winds.

Along IBB Way, at least three trees were pulled down, though no casualties were recorded.

Several billboards were also destroyed in different parts of the metropolis.

A relaxation spot opposite the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists was equally damaged by the storm.

At the frontage of the Kogi State Tourism Board, a fallen tree destroyed electricity lines, plunging the area into darkness.

Similarly, along Murtala Muhammed Way, a tree fell on a moving vehicle. Witnesses said the lone occupant of the car was immediately evacuated, although the condition of the victim could not be confirmed at press time.