A devastating rainstorm hit Itapaji Ekiti, an agrarian community in the Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Sunday.
The storm blew off the roofs of several buildings, including government schools, leaving over 50 residents homeless. Among the affected was the residence of Chief Fabunmi Ajayi, a 120-year-old woman.
Sources reported that no fewer than ten buildings, including a public institution, were damaged.
In response to this disaster, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Mrs. Monisade Afuye, visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment and to sympathize with the victims. The governor pledged the state government’s support for those rendered homeless.
“We thank God that no lives were lost, but losing property in such an avoidable situation is painful. We urge our people to embrace tree planting around their houses. Trees serve as windbreakers that can help protect our structures from damage,” Governor Oyebanji said.
“Additionally, regular maintenance of our buildings is crucial to prevent such losses.”
During the visit, Deputy Governor Afuye personally sympathized with Chief Ajayi over the damage to her home.
The Olu of Itapaji, Oba Abdulazees Adebanjo, represented by the Oluketu of Itapaji, Chief Olaoye Olusesan, accompanied the officials and expressed gratitude to the governor for his prompt response and compassion.
Oba Adebanjo also appealed for swift government assistance to help the victims recover from their precarious situation.
This incident follows similar occurrences in Ijelu Ekiti and Omuo Ekiti in the Oye Local Government Area, where buildings were also destroyed by rainstorms.
The deputy governor had previously described these events as heart-rending and devastating, noting on Monday that the frequent recurrence of such incidents was becoming a significant concern for the government.
Rainstorms are characterized by substantial rainfall over a short period, often accompanied by thunder, lightning, strong winds, and sometimes hail. They occur due to the rapid ascent of warm, moist air, which cools and condenses into rain droplets.
These storms vary in intensity and duration, ranging from brief showers to prolonged downpours.
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