A powerful rainstorm has wreaked havoc in several communities within Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, leaving hundreds of residents homeless and causing severe property damage.

The shocking incident, which took place on Monday, March 10, 2025, was brought to public attention during a plenary session of the Edo State House of Assembly. Yekini Idaiye, the lawmaker representing Akoko Edo I, raised a motion of urgent public importance, highlighting the dire situation in affected communities, including Ojirami, Dagbala, and Ojah, all within Ward 5.

Extent of Damage and Impact on Residents

Idaiye detailed the catastrophic effects of the storm, stating that entire rooftops were blown off, leaving families exposed to harsh weather conditions. He expressed deep concern over the impact on children, women, and the elderly, who are now vulnerable to health risks and psychological distress.

“The affected communities are predominantly farmers, contributing significantly to the economy of Edo State and Nigeria by producing cocoa, cashew, garri, maize, and palm oil. However, with the destruction of their homes, many are left in despair,” Idaiye noted.

Children who should be in school have lost their books and other educational materials to the disaster, further exacerbating their hardships.

Call for Government Intervention and Relief Efforts

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker called on federal, state, and local governments to conduct an immediate on-the-spot assessment to determine the full extent of the damages. He also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide urgent relief materials to affected residents.

Additionally, Idaiye appealed to National Assembly members from Edo State to raise similar motions at the federal legislative level to secure intervention funds and assistance.

Wider Impact Across Edo State

During the plenary session, other lawmakers, including the Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian (representing Ovia North East I), and the Minority Leader, Eric Okaka (representing Owan East constituency), disclosed that their constituencies also suffered significant damage from the storm. They echoed the need for swift intervention to cushion the devastating impact on affected residents.

Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, expressed sympathy for the victims and emphasized the importance of tree planting as a long-term measure to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events.

Resolutions and Next Steps

Following deliberations, the Edo State House of Assembly passed a resolution urging NEMA and SEMA to provide immediate relief to the victims. They also called on relevant authorities to expedite action in assisting those affected by the rainstorm disaster.

The devastating rainstorm serves as a stark reminder of the need for proactive disaster preparedness measures to protect communities from such calamities in the future.