A devastating windstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall has left a trail of destruction in Ilorin and the Ogele/Eyenkorin area of Asa Local Government, Kwara State.
No fewer than 200 homes and public schools were reportedly damaged during the storm, which struck on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
The storm, which coincided with Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, disrupted festivities as strong winds tore off roofs, toppled electricity poles, and left several communities in darkness.
Residents described scenes of chaos as buildings collapsed and debris blocked drainage systems, particularly around the Kuntu bridge in Ilorin West Local Government Area.
Among the worst-hit areas were Eyenkorin, Ogele, Ifelodun, Ifesowapo, Orisunbare, Odo-Akuo, Apata Ajele, Alagbado Eyenkorin, Basa, Yakoyo, and Lekki. Schools in these communities suffered extensive damage, with roofs of Ogele Primary School, Ansarul-Deen Primary School, and D-Light A-Nur Nursery/Primary School completely ripped off.
At least 15 private schools, including Community Secondary School in Apata Ajele and Wilson School in Alagbado, were also affected, with some classrooms collapsing.
The roof of Government Day Secondary School was blown off, and baseball facilities in Adeta, Ilorin West, were not spared.
With many residents left homeless, affected families were seen salvaging their belongings and seeking shelter with neighbors while awaiting relief from authorities and well-meaning individuals.
Speaking on the situation, Zubairu Abiola, vice chairman of the Ifelodun community in Eyenkorin, described the disaster as overwhelming and called on the state government for urgent intervention.
“The rainstorm has rendered many residents of the community and its adjoining areas homeless. We want to appeal to the state governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, to come to the rescue of the communities as always done by him even when there is no calamity,” he said.
Residents are now looking to the government and relief agencies for assistance as they begin the difficult task of rebuilding their homes and businesses.
