A heavy rainstorm destroyed more than 50 houses, schools, and farmlands in Plateau and Niger states on Sunday, leaving many residents homeless and in need of urgent help.
In Shimankar District, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, the storm hit the Menkaat community, damaging houses, two primary schools, and a worship centre.
“We’ve been hit seriously by this rainstorm. At least 50 houses have been affected. From the level of damage, the people need urgent help,” said resident Lawrence Longwalk.
Many buildings had their roofs blown off, while others collapsed completely.
Although the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has not released an official statement, a staff member confirmed the agency is aware of the incident and will visit the area soon to assess the damage and provide support.
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Meanwhile, in Kafin Koro, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, the storm and heavy rainfall also caused serious flooding that destroyed farmlands worth millions of naira.
In Lapai Local Government Area, 18 communities were affected. These include Dere, Eshi, Apataku, Tsakanabi, Kuchi Kakanda, Arah, Achiba, Rebba, Ebwa, Pele, Edda, Rigido, Gbami, Yawa, Baka, and Muye.
Jonathan Vatsa, Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, urged people in flood-prone areas to relocate immediately.
“We, as a government, will continue to be proactive by appealing to the people to immediately move upland to avoid the experience of the Mokwa disaster,” Vatsa said.
He acknowledged that many people are emotionally connected to their ancestral homes but warned that the risks from the ongoing rains are too serious to ignore.