A powerful rainstorm has left many residents of Ogele in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State homeless, destroying homes, public infrastructure, and essential services.
The storm, which struck on the night of Eid-el-Fitr, wreaked havoc on several buildings, including Ansarul Islam Primary School, Community Secondary School, a health centre, and mosques in the area. Electricity infrastructure was also affected, as concrete poles and high-tension wires supplying power to Ogele, Afon, and neighboring communities were brought down.
Many residents are now counting their losses and seeking urgent assistance from the government and well-meaning individuals. “We have lost everything. Our homes and places of worship are in ruins,” a distraught resident said.
The traditional ruler of Ogele, Aare Ogele, Alhaji Abubakar Akanbi, whose home was also affected, appealed to the government for immediate intervention to support displaced families. He emphasized the need for swift action to restore normalcy, particularly for the Mufti of the community, who was also affected.
Chairman of the Ogele Descendants Progressive Union (ODPU), Alhaji Issa Akanbi-Oniyo, described the situation as a disaster that has left many families stranded. “This is a difficult time for our people. We need urgent relief to rebuild our lives,” he stated.
Residents are calling on the state and federal governments, as well as humanitarian organizations, to provide aid, including shelter, food, and assistance in restoring electricity and public facilities.
