From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Residents of Obi Local Government Area of Benue State were on Wednesday thrown into mourning following a devastating windstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall that caused widespread destruction across several communities in the area.
The disaster claimed the life of a popular businesswoman, identified as Elizabeth Job Oloche, after a huge tree reportedly fell on her during the storm in Obarike community along the Ogore axis.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the Chairman on Media and Publicity, Ekpe Emmanuel, the deceased, who operated a restaurant in the community, died instantly at the scene.
The statement described her as a peaceful and well-loved member of the community whose sudden death has left family members, friends, customers, and residents in shock and grief.
The rainstorm also caused extensive damage to homes, business premises, and other properties in different parts of Obi Local Government Area. Several trees were uprooted, while major roads were blocked, disrupting movement within the affected communities.
One of the affected routes was the Secretariat Road around Ijanke community, where fallen trees caused serious obstruction to traffic and movement.
The Executive Chairman of Obi Local Government Council, Hon. Silas Odeh Ahunye, expressed sadness over the incident and sympathised with affected victims and families.
Ahunye disclosed that the windstorm also damaged parts of the roof of his residence and affected his Hilux vehicle.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas, the chairman described the incident as one of the worst natural disasters witnessed in recent times in the local government area.
In a show of solidarity, the Executive Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Hon. Jackson Ominyi, visited Obi LGA to assess the level of destruction and sympathise with residents.
Ominyi described the windstorm as unprecedented, noting that he had never witnessed such destruction that brought down numerous trees across communities, markets, and residential areas simultaneously.
He called on relevant government agencies and humanitarian organisations to urgently provide assistance to victims affected by the disaster.
Ahunye also appealed to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), humanitarian bodies, and well-meaning individuals to support residents who suffered losses as a result of the storm.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased and asked God to grant her family the strength to bear the painful loss.
