Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Monday paid a working visit to Eika, Ihima, and other communities in Okehi Local Government Area to assess the damage caused by the devastating rainstorm that struck the area on June 16.

According to a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Unubi Emmanuel, the Governor—represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu—was visibly moved by the extent of the destruction.

He expressed deep sympathy to the victims, describing the storm’s aftermath as catastrophic, with properties worth hundreds of millions of naira destroyed.

Governor Ododo assured the affected residents of immediate government intervention to ease their hardship and help them recover. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring hope and providing urgent relief to the displaced families.

He also thanked residents for their unwavering support for the Kogi State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging that no community would be left behind.

Earlier, Hon. Atima Muktar, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), reported that over 400 homes were affected, with damages exceeding N100 million. He called on both the federal and state governments to provide timely aid to the victims.

In his remarks, Barr. Deedat Ozigi, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, commended the Governor’s proactive response and prioritization of infrastructure and welfare.

Hon. Monday Amoka, Executive Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, confirmed the scale of the destruction, noting that over 400 homes were damaged across several communities. He conveyed the appreciation of residents and pledged continued support for Governor Ododo’s re-election bid in 2027 as a show of gratitude for the government’s swift response and development projects, including road construction.

Representing the victims, Mallam Yusuf Ajinodu Ihiovi expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor and his delegation, while appealing for speedy intervention to facilitate recovery.

The Governor’s delegation also paid courtesy visits to the Ohi of Okehi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmed Ogido Abdulraheem, and the Ezu of Egiri Clan, His Royal Highness Mallam Suleiman Omeiza Umar.

Accompanying the Deputy Governor were Hon. Zack Otokiti (Okehi State Constituency), Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwudah (Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor), Barr. Deedat Ozigi (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Hon. Timothy Ojoma (Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security), Hon. Yakubu Siaka Adabenege (Auditor General for Local Government), and Hon. Onoja James (Zonal Security Adviser to the Governor for Idah Federal Constituency), among others.