Residents Seek Help As Rainstorm Renders Scores Homeless In Ondo

Heavy rainfall has continued to wreck havoc in some parts of the state, destroying many properties worth millions of naira.
Some towns like Ita-Ogbolu, in Akure North Local Government Area, Ilara- mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area, Ikakumo-Akoko, in Akoko Northeast Local Government among others were not exempted from destruction of properties arise from torrential downpours.

As at the last count, about 300 houses were affected while the rain destroyed houses, schools, mosques and churches, uprooting trees and scores of electric poles thereby throwing several communities into perpetual darkness.

A community leader, Chief Isaac Ogundari, who hails from Ita-Ogbolu lamented that the effect of the rainstorm in his community was devastating, describing it as unfortunate as several residents of the community have been rendered homeless.

Ogundari called on the state and federal government for assistance in repairing the buildings destroyed by the storm, saying the rain affected social and commercial activities in the town.

Another resident from one of the communities, Mr Eyitayo Adebayo, explained that a strong wind that accompanied the rain lasted for about 30 minutes.
Adebayo , a 75-year old man said, “Before we knew it, our roof was completely removed. This has rendered us homeless.”

He explained further saying, “I had retired to my room from the farm and was waiting for my dinner, when the rain started suddenly. I heard a loud sound in the compound. That was when I realised that the wind had blown off the roof and dumped it on the road.”

In Ikakumo Akoko, Mr. Sunday Omogboye, who claimed to have witnessed the occurrence, said many residents are now homeless while some are squatting with relatives and friends, fearing victims may remain homeless for sometime without external help due to skyrocketing prices of building materials.

Commenting on the natural disaster, a former Chief of Staff to late Governor Adebayo Adefarati, Mr Foluso Aminu, who is also an indigene of the town, appealed to the state governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to kindly consider the plight of the victims.

Aminu also called on the member of the House of Representatives representing Akoko Northeast/Northwest Federal Constituency, Hon Ife Ehindero, Senator Jide Ipinsagba and Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo, to also come to aid of the victims.

However , the Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, had promised that the government will come to their aid.
The Governor made the promise when he visited some of the villages affected by the rainstorms.