Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Razaq Obe, has sympathised with the victims of rainstorms in Ilara-Mokin, Ifedore Local Government Area of the State.
Over 160 houses and other valuables worth several millions of naira were lost to the rainstorms which occured on the evening of March 10, while over 200 people were rendered homeless.
The downpour was accompanied with heavy wind, destroying properties including electricity poles in some communities across Ilara-Mokin, and rendered my people homeless.
No life was, however, lost to the incident.
The commissioner, an indigene of Ilara-Mokin, who visited the affected communities to inspect the level of damage, equally sympathised with the Alara of Ilara Mokin and other stakeholders in the community.
The worst hit are Oladeji street, Hospital Road, Odo Gbeyin, Oja Jare quarters opposite Elizade road, the Apostolic Primary School, Ilara Mokin among others.
Obe revealed that Governor Akeredolu is seriously concerned about the development and will do everything within his power to assist those affected.
According to him, the level of damage caused by the rainstorms is unprecedented.
He noted that over 160 houses suffered from the incident, saying the yearnings of the people for solace would be delivered to the state government.
“The best view of the carnage was possibly in the morning where people woke up to see the level of destruction in the community, the essence of our coming is to see for ourselves and convey the message to those that have responsibility to intervene.
“We cannot complain to God, it is a natural disaster but we will do our best to take this message to the government of Ondo State and even to higher levels that government should rise to help the people because many of them could not say a word they only speak to us through their tears. The best we can do is to come out quickly and help them”, Obe said.
One of the victims, a 39-year-old graduate who sells engine oil, Ayodeji Ajayi, said the shop he erected last year to earn his livelihood is now gone.
Some of the leaders in the community including Chief Isaac Ogundari and Mrs Ereola Ojuoope pleaded for quick intervention of government.
The Alara of Ilara Mokin, Oba Abiodun Adefehinti, described the incident as shocking, even though it is a natural disaster.
He, however, solicited quick
assistance from the state government and other well-meaning individuals, saying the destruction was monumental.
“We know what it is in the economy right now, we know that there is paucity of funds and prices are on the high side but notwithstanding we have to make point of call to the government that we need assistance.
“More than 100 houses are affected and the number of people who slept outside during these past nights would be close to 200 or more than that. Some of them have taken time to repair those ones that were not terribly damaged. We know government as a lot of things to do, however, we are appealing to them that we need their assistance”, he added.
