A powerful windstorm swept through Ukete Oduma in Aninri Local Government Area, Enugu State, destroying more than 80 buildings, including public schools and churches, and leaving hundreds of residents homeless.
Residents described the disaster as unprecedented, reporting extensive property damage and losses worth millions of naira. The storm uprooted electric poles, destroyed economic trees, and killed livestock, while heavy rainfall worsened the situation.
The community’s traditional ruler, Igwe Patrick Oshiekwe, likened the event to a hurricane and converted his palace into a temporary shelter for displaced families. He appealed to the government, corporate organisations, and well-meaning individuals for urgent assistance.
“Everybody in the community is shattered. Since I was born, I have never seen anything like this. Most of the houses in our community were destroyed. Many people now have nowhere to sleep,” Oshiekwe lamented.
The President-General of Ukete Oduma, Jeremiah Njoku, confirmed the massive scale of destruction and called for immediate government intervention, adding that the cause of the windstorm could not be immediately determined.
Affected residents, including Mr. Ernest Nweze and Chief Ifeanyichukwu Akuatuegwu, reported the loss of their savings and appealed for assistance to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.
Authorities and community leaders continue to assess the damage, while relief efforts are being coordinated to provide shelter, food, and other essentials for the displaced population.
