ABAKALIKI — Residents of Okpuitumo community in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State are counting heavy losses after a devastating windstorm swept through the area in the early hours of Tuesday, destroying homes, businesses, farmlands and a church building.
The storm, which reportedly struck around 3:00 a.m. at Gmelina Junction, left widespread destruction in its wake, with properties estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of naira affected.
Among the worst-hit structures was the Assemblies of God Church in the community, whose building was completely destroyed after the wind ripped off its roof and brought down parts of the structure.
Several residential buildings, shops and business premises in the area also had their roofs blown off, while goods and valuables were either destroyed by the storm or soaked by rainwater that followed.
Despite the scale of destruction, no lives were lost. However, some children reportedly sustained minor injuries during the incident.
The affected church members and residents have appealed to the Ebonyi State Government, non-governmental organisations and well-meaning individuals for urgent assistance.
Speaking on the incident, the pastor in charge of the affected church, Rev. Moses Odorimo, described the situation as both shocking and devastating.
According to him, the church building collapsed between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. during the storm.
“I was in the corridor when I suddenly heard a loud noise. When I rushed out, I saw that the church building had already collapsed. The zinc, wood and walls had all fallen flat on the ground,” he said.
He added that several church properties, including chairs, musical instruments and the pulpit, were completely destroyed.
Rev. Odorimo appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the church to enable worshippers rebuild the structure.
“We are now forced to worship under the rain and scorching sun,” he lamented.
One of the victims, Mrs Nwadurunne Uguru, a widow, said her home was badly damaged after the storm blew off the roof.
She disclosed that a 100kg bag of processed beans, food items and other valuables in the house were destroyed, leaving her family in distress.
Another resident, Mr Goddy Nwogha, said the storm destroyed his yam barn and part of his home, causing losses estimated at N10 million.
“A tree was uprooted and fell on the place where my yam barn was located, destroying all the yams there. The wind also blew off part of the roof of my house,” he said.
“It is a double tragedy for me. Both my house and my barn were affected. We need urgent assistance from the government, NGOs and good-spirited individuals.”
He added that several other homes, shops and economic trees in the community were also affected.
For Miss Chioma Nweke, the disaster dealt a severe blow to her poultry business, as more than 1,000 birds were reportedly killed after the storm destroyed her poultry house.
“I borrowed money to start this business with the hope of repaying it by October and November, but everything has been lost,” she said in tears.
“I appeal to the state government to help me so I can repay the loan and restart the business.”
Also speaking, a provision store owner, Mr Onyekachi Eze, said goods worth about N12 million were destroyed after the roof of the building housing his shop was blown off, allowing rainwater to damage all his wares.
“The incident happened while everyone was asleep. By the time I got here in the morning, everything in the shop had been soaked with water,” he said.
“This shop is the source of livelihood for my family. It is from here that I feed my family, take care of my siblings and pay their school fees. I am appealing to Governor Nwifuru to come to my aid.”
The windstorm also reportedly destroyed a billboard belonging to Hon. Abel Uzodimma Nwozaka, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Rice Mill.
Residents of the community are now calling for urgent intervention to help them rebuild their homes, businesses and places of worship.
Windstorm Wreaks Havoc in Ebonyi Community, Destroys Church, Homes and Properties Worth Millions
