A powerful rainstorm accompanied by strong winds wreaked havoc in Ilorin and the Ogele/Eyenkorin areas of Kwara State on Sunday, leaving nearly 200 homes, schools, and other buildings in ruins. The storm struck during the evening, disrupting Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Ogele-Eyenkorin and surrounding communities in Asa Local Government Area.
The destruction was widespread, with residents reporting that around 200 houses had their roofs blown off and over 20 buildings, including public schools, shops, and business premises, completely collapsed. The heavy rain and fierce winds also downed power lines and electricity poles, plunging many areas into darkness.
Among the buildings severely impacted were Ogele Primary School, Ansarul-Deen Primary School, and D-Light A-Nur Nursery/Primary School, all of which had their roofs torn off. At least 15 private schools, including Community Secondary School, Apata Ajele, and Wilson School in Alagbado, also suffered significant damage, with some classrooms collapsing. The roof of Government Day Secondary School was also blown away, and baseball facilities in Adeta, Ilorin West, were destroyed.
The storm’s aftermath also blocked drainage systems, such as the Kuntu Bridge in Ilorin West, where debris had gathered, further complicating the situation. Communities most affected by the storm include Eyenkorin, Ogele, Ifelodun, Ifesowapo, Orisunbare, Odo-Akuo, Apata Ajele, Alagbado Eyenkorin, Basa, Yakoyo, and Lekki.
With many now homeless, residents were seen moving their belongings to seek shelter with friends and relatives while awaiting help from local authorities. Zubairu Abiola, the vice chairman of the Ifelodun community in Eyenkorin, appealed to Kwara State Governor Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq for urgent intervention, praising his previous efforts during crises.
“We urge the state government to come to our aid, as the storm has left many families without homes,” Abiola said. “We hope the governor will continue his support as he has always done, even in the absence of a calamity.”
As the affected communities recover from this devastating disaster, residents and local leaders are calling for swift action from the state government to rebuild their homes and restore basic services.
