Rainstorms wreak havoc in Ekiti, Ondo…

RESIDENTS of Ekiti and Ondo states have been subjected to anguish and tears as heavy rainfalls had devastating effects on buildings and negative impacts on their economies.

Victims are counting their losses in Ado-Ekiti and the ancient town of Owo, following the havoc caused by rainstorms, during which rooftops of several houses were blown off.

Residents lamented that the first rain of the year, which was expected to bring joy, has left tales of woes and anguish.

The two-hour torrential rain destroyed over 105 buildings in Oke-Ako, Ikole LGA, rendering several people homeless.

Also destroyed in its wake were some electricity facilities across the town, which has subjected the residents to total blackout.

As a result of the downpour, residents of the Irona axis in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have raised the alarm over some fallen high-tension electric poles connected to a transformer supplying power to streets in the area.

Blackout in some parts of the town may have been caused by the fallen electric poles, due to the torrential rain as residents fear that it could cause a major disaster if operatives of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, fail to come to their aid.

Mrs Bosede Olajide, a businesswoman in the Irona market lamented that this is causing fear among traders while calling on the authorities to remove the fallen poles.

While on a visit to the affected area in Ikole-Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji condoled with the residents and assured them of the government’s support for victims.

Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, described the occurrence as highly devastating.

The deputy governor was conducted around the affected areas by the Regent of the town, Ogunbiyi Tinuade Adebayo; the lawmaker representing Ikole Constituency 2, Adeoye Aribasoye, and Chairman, Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Michael Ogungbemi.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Victor Ogunje, quoted the governor as expressing delight that no life was lost during the rainstorm .

Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa, who sympathised with the victims of the rainstorm and the people of the community, promised that the government would not leave them at this trying period of their lives.

Also, the lawmaker representing Owo 1 in the House of Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, said that the state government would assist the victims to reconstruct their damaged houses.