By Capital Watch Media
Hundreds of residents in Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo State have been left homeless following a devastating rainstorm that destroyed over 100 houses across several communities.
The storm, which struck on March 10, 2025, caused significant damage in Ojirami, Dagbala, and Ojah, leaving many families in distress. Some residents also sustained injuries.
During a plenary session on Monday, Yekini Idaiye, the lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo I in the Edo State House of Assembly, raised a motion of urgent public importance to address the crisis.
“The rainstorm left in its wake the destruction of over 100 houses. Many of them had their roofs blown off, leaving families stranded,” Idaiye stated.
He emphasised that the affected communities are predominantly farmers who contribute significantly to the state’s economy through the production of cocoa, cashew, garri, maize, and palm oil.
“The people are traumatised by the destruction of their homes. Many roofs were blown off, leaving children, the elderly, and women vulnerable to harsh weather conditions,” he added.
According to the lawmaker, several victims have suffered injuries, while others are battling anxiety and depression due to their displacement.
“The children who should be in school have lost their books to the disaster and are now struggling to find shelter,” Idaiye noted.
He urged the federal, state, and local governments to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the damage and provide immediate relief.
Idaiye, who serves as the Chief Whip of the House, also called on the National Assembly lawmakers from Edo State to raise similar motions at the federal level.
Supporting the motion, Charity Aiguobarueghian, the Majority Leader representing Ovia North East I, confirmed that the rainstorm also affected other communities within his constituency.
Eric Okaka, the Minority Leader and representative of Owan East, also reported extensive damage in his area, urging swift intervention from relevant agencies.
They called on the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to provide immediate palliatives for affected residents.
Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, expressed sympathy for the victims and advocated for preventive measures such as tree planting to mitigate future rainstorm disasters.
“The planting of trees can serve as windbreakers and help reduce the impact of rainstorms,” Agbebaku stated.
In its resolution, the House urged NEMA and SEMA to assess the situation and provide necessary support, including temporary shelters and food supplies.
The lawmakers also called on the Edo State Government to establish an emergency relief fund for future natural disasters.
Residents of the affected communities have appealed for urgent assistance, citing a lack of basic necessities such as food, clothing, and medical care.
A local leader in Ojirami, Chief Sunday Adebayo, described the situation as dire. “Many families are sleeping outside because their homes have been destroyed,” he said.
Another resident, Janet Okon, called for the government’s swift intervention.
“We need help urgently; we have lost everything,” she lamented.
Community leaders and civil society organisations have joined calls for immediate action, urging authorities to prioritise relief efforts.
The Edo State Government has yet to release an official statement on the disaster, but lawmakers insist that urgent intervention is needed to alleviate the suffering of affected residents.
