Rainstorm destroys 20 houses in Plateau community

By James Abraham

Over 20 houses and several farmlands have been destroyed in the Nghassi community, Mandar Ward of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State, following a heavy rainstorm on Tuesday, leaving residents displaced and in dire need of humanitarian support.

The storm, which occurred at “about 5 p.m. on Tuesday,” according to residents, “wreaked havoc across the community, blowing off rooftops, uprooting trees, bringing down buildings, and destroying property worth millions of naira.”

A community member, Mr. Bulus Ayuba Ritji, who confirmed the incident to The PUNCH in Jos on Wednesday, said the downpour was accompanied by strong winds that caused extensive damage.

“The destruction is enormous. More than 20 houses were affected, and many families have been displaced,” Ritji stated.

He added that “although no lives were lost, many victims lost their homes, food items, clothing, and other valuables, leaving them in distress.”

Ritji further noted that “the people are now homeless and urgently need support from the government, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals.”

According to him, “farmlands and other means of livelihood were also destroyed by the storm, worsening the plight of affected residents” and forcing “many families to seek temporary shelter with neighbours and relatives.”

The Youth Leader of Bokkos Local Government Area, Christopher Luka, confirmed the incident, describing the destruction as “sad.”

Luka has appealed for immediate intervention, stating: “I appeal to the Plateau State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, humanitarian organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to urgently provide relief materials, temporary shelter and other assistance to the victims.”

He stressed that “timely intervention would help cushion the hardship faced by the displaced families.”

The Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Sunday Abdu, denied knowledge of the rainstorm in the community

“The incident has not been reported to our office. But we will find out about it,” he said.

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