Recent devastating rainstorms have caused widespread destruction and tragedy in both Kogi and Ogun States, leaving hundreds homeless and resulting in at least one fatality. In Kabba, the headquarters of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, a severe rainstorm accompanied by strong winds wreaked havoc, destroying numerous houses and displacing residents.

The intense downpour in Kabba occurred at dusk on Monday, impacting areas such as the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Kabba, Iyah community, Ben Thomas Hotel, and Kajola Quarter. Residents reported that many victims, including women and children, have been left without shelter, forcing them to seek refuge with relatives and friends. Mrs. Olayinka Amosun Eniola, the Principal of FGGC Kabba, confirmed significant damage to several buildings within the school, although no lives were lost. Chief Shuaib Ipinmisho, Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, described the damage as “worrisome,” noting that classrooms, student hostels, and staff residences were primarily affected. The PTA and school management have indicated that the extent of the destruction is beyond their capacity to handle alone. While attempts to reach SEMA Secretary, Muktari Atima, were unsuccessful, an official from the agency stated that management is aware of the situation and is preparing to assess the damage and take necessary action.

In a separate incident, a 14-year-old boy, Timothy Amosun, a Junior Secondary School 3 student, tragically died after a rainstorm destroyed Mayigi Community Comprehensive High School in Ilase, Ogun State. The Ogun State government, through a statement by Lekan Adeniran, chief press secretary to Gov. Dapo Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Wednesday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that five other pupils, two teachers, a food vendor, and her seven-month-old child sustained injuries during the collapse of the school building in Ipokia Local Government Area.

Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed his sympathy for the victims, describing the incident as a “rude shock and a painful tragedy.” He assured the public that the state government would cover the medical expenses of those injured and directed that victims in critical condition be transferred to specialist hospitals for comprehensive medical care. Furthermore, the governor instructed the Commissioner for Education to visit the families of the victims and assess the damage to facilitate the school’s reconstruction.

These incidents underscore the devastating impact of severe weather events on communities and infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for disaster preparedness and response measures to mitigate the effects of such calamities.