Hundreds of residents of Ukete Oduma community in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State have been rendered homeless following a devastating rainstorm.
No less than 80 buildings, including residential, public buildings and churches were affected.
Residents are agonizing about the loss of property worth millions of Naira, electricity poles, economic trees as well as livestock.
Our correspondent, who visited the area, reports that the entire community has been thrown into confusion as owners of the affected buildings were busy trying to dry some of the property already soaked with rain.
The traditional ruler of Ukete Oduma Community, Igwe Patrick Oshiekwe likened the incident to a hurricane and appealed to government at all levels, corporate organisations and good spirited individuals to come to their aid.
Igwe Oshiekwe, whose palace has now turned to a sleeping place for many affected families, said the situation is deteriorating as rain continues to fall on open roofs.
“Everybody in the community is battered. Since I was born I have never seen such a thing.
“Within a short time, all the portable houses in our community were destroyed. Many people have nowhere to lay their heads.
“I am crying for help from our amiable governor, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah, to come to our aid, Senator Osita Ngwu and Chief Anayo Onwuegbu to please come to our community.
“Most of our public schools were also affected, even churches. The damage is so huge.
“Some of the owners of these buildings are staying abroad, so it will even take such individuals time to return, and it’s raining almost on a daily basis.”
Also speaking, the town’s Union President General of the community, Mr Jeremia Njoku, expressed shock, noting that members of the community cannot trace the cause of the incident.
While thanking God that no life was lost during the incident, Mr Njoku said the damage was huge and needed urgent intervention to ameliorate people’s suffering.
“You can see by yourself that over eighty buildings were affected. We are not talking about the ones that have minor damages.
“I think this was the worst in the history of the country. Our people need urgent help. We are living in fear,” he lamented.
Some persons affected by the disaster, including Mr Ernest Nweze and Chief Ifeanyichukwu Akuatuegwu, said they had lost everything they laboured for many years and appealed for help.
As of the time of filing this report, no government or its agencies have visited the community.
