By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
A heavy rainstorm has destroyed more than 20 houses and farmlands in Nghassi community of Mandar Ward, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving residents homeless and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
The rainstorm, which occurred at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday, wreaked havoc across the community, blowing off rooftops, uprooting trees, bringing down buildings and destroying property worth millions of naira.
A resident of the community, Mr Bulus Ayuba Ritji, said the downpour was accompanied by strong winds that left a trail of destruction, forcing many families to seek temporary shelter with neighbours and relatives.
According to Ritji, although no lives were lost, many victims lost their homes, food items, clothing and other valuables, leaving them in distress.
“The destruction is enormous. More than 20 houses were affected, and many families have been displaced.
The people are now homeless and urgently need support from the government, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals,” he said.
He said farmlands and other means of livelihood were also destroyed by the storm, worsening the plight of affected residents.
The Youth Leader of Bokkos Local Government Area, Christopher Luka, confirmed the incident to Vanguard, describing the destruction as sad.
Luka appealed to 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 urgently provide relief materials, temporary shelter and other assistance to the victims.
He said timely intervention would help cushion the hardship faced by the displaced families.
