A heavy rainstorm has destroyed over 20 houses and farmlands in Nghassi community of Mandar Ward, Bokkos local government area of Plateau State.
LEADERSHIP learnt that the incident left the residents homeless and in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
The rainstorm, which occurred at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, wreaked havoc across communities, blowing off rooftops, uprooting trees, pulling 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 in its trail destruction and forced many families to seek temporary shelter with neighbours and relatives.
Ritji said although no lives were lost, many victims lost their homes, food items, clothing and other valuables.
“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.
Meanwhile, the Youth leader of Bokkos Local Government Area, Christopher Luka, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, describing the destruction as sad and unfortunate .
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.
However, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Hon Sunday Abdu could not be reached for comment at the time of filling this report.
