Rainstorm renders families homeless, destroys homes in Plateau community

A heavy rainstorm has displaced several families after destroying more than 20 houses and farmlands in Nghassi community, Mandar Ward of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The storm, which struck on Tuesday evening, ripped off rooftops, uprooted trees, damaged buildings and destroyed property estimated to be worth millions of naira.

A resident of the community, Bulus Ayuba Ritji, said the rainfall was accompanied by strong winds that left widespread destruction across the area, forcing many affected families to seek refuge with neighbours and relatives.

He noted that although no fatalities were recorded, many residents lost their homes, food supplies, clothing and other personal belongings.

According to him, the destruction has left numerous households homeless and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Ritji also disclosed that the storm destroyed farmlands, dealing another blow to residents whose livelihoods depend largely on agriculture.

Confirming the incident, the Youth Leader of Bokkos Local Government Area, Christopher Luka, described the situation as devastating and appealed for immediate intervention.

He called on the Plateau State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA), humanitarian organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to provide emergency relief materials, temporary shelter and other support for the affected families.

Luka said prompt assistance would help ease the hardship faced by victims and enable them to begin rebuilding their lives.