By Adekola Afolabi

|

Over 160 houses and other valuables worth several millions of naira were lost in some communities across Ilara-Mokin, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, following heavy rainstorms.

The heavy rain which occured on the evening of March 10 was accompanied with heavy wind, destroying properties including electricity poles and rendered my people homeless.

The heavy rain showers which should have been a blessing to the people of the affected communities, however, turned out to be a source of sorrow to the residents as they counted their loses.

The worst hit are Oladeji street, Hospital Road, Odo Gbeyin, Oja Jare quarters opposite Elizade road, the Apostolic Primary School, Ilara Mokin among others. Over 160 houses and shops were blown off by the windy storm that accompanied the rain.

A 39-years old graduate who sells engine oil, Ayodeji Ajayi,  said his shop that he erected last year to earn his livelihood  is now gone.

Some of the leaders in the community including Chief Isaac Ogundari and Mrs Ereola Ojuoope pleaded for quick intervention of government.

The Alara of Ilara Mokin, Oba Abiodun Adefehinti, described the incident as shocking, even though it is a natural disaster.

He, however, solicited for quick assistance from the state government and other well-meaning individuals, saying the destruction was monumental.

“We know what it is in the economy right now, we know that there is paucity of funds and prices are on the high side but notwithstanding we have to make point of call to the government that we need assistance.

“More than 100 houses are affected and the number of people who slept outside during these past nights would be close to 200 or more than that. Some of them have taken time to repair those ones that were not terribly damaged. We know government as a lot of things to do, however, we are appealing to them that we need their assistance”, he added.

Also reacting, the Commissioner for Energy, Mines and Natural Resources,  Razaq Obe, said the level of damage caused by the rainstorm is unprecedented.

He noted that over 160 houses suffered from the havoc of the rainstorms, saying the yearnings of the people for solace would be delivered to the state government.

“The best view of the carnage was possibly in the morning where people woke up to see the level of destruction in the community, the essence of our coming is to see for ourselves and convey the message to those that have responsibility to intervene.

“We cannot complain to God, it is a natural disaster but we will do our best to take this message to the government of Ondo State and even to higher levels that government should rise to help the people because many of them could not say a word they only speak to us through their tears. The best we can do is to come out quickly and help them”, Obe said.

He sympathised with the Alara of Ilara Mokin and other stakeholders in the community, saying that Governor Akeredolu is seriously concerned about the development and will do everything within his power to assist those affected.