A powerful windstorm struck Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, and the Ogele/Eyenkorin communities in Asa Local Government Area on Sunday, leaving significant destruction in its wake. The storm, which was accompanied by heavy rainfall, damaged no fewer than 200 houses, several public schools, and electric infrastructure.
Drivetvnews gathered, the storm disrupted Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Ogele-Eyenkorin and nearby areas, causing extensive damage to buildings and properties. Residents recounted that approximately 200 houses had their roofs torn off, while over 20 buildings, including schools, shops, and business establishments, collapsed due to the intensity of the storm.
Zubairu Abiola, Vice Chairman of the Ifelodun community in Eyenkorin, expressed deep concern over the disaster, emphasizing the urgent need for government assistance.
“The level of destruction is immense. Many residents have suddenly found themselves without shelter, and extensive rehabilitation will be required to restore normalcy,” he stated.
He further appealed to the state governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, to provide support, as he has done in similar situations in the past.
The severe storm also caused widespread power outages by toppling electricity poles and severing cables. Additionally, debris carried by the wind blocked the drainage system of the Kuntu bridge in Ilorin West Local Government Area, compounding the challenges faced by affected communities.
Among the worst-hit areas were Eyenkorin, Ogele, Ifelodun, Ifesowapo, Orisunbare, Odo-Akuo, Apata Ajele, Alagbado Eyenkorin, Basa, Yakoyo, and Lekki. Several educational institutions sustained severe damage, including Ogele Primary School, Ansarul-Deen Primary School, and D-Light A-Nur Nursery/Primary School, all of which had their roofs completely blown off.
Furthermore, at least 15 private schools, including Community Secondary School in Apata Ajele and Wilson School in Alagbado, were heavily impacted. Some classrooms collapsed, while the Government Day Secondary School and baseball facilities in Adeta, Ilorin West, also suffered significant damage.
A visit to the affected areas revealed that many displaced residents were moving their belongings to seek temporary shelter with neighbors, awaiting intervention from the government and well-meaning individuals.
