Hundreds of residents of Ukete Oduma community in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State have been left homeless after a severe rainstorm destroyed numerous buildings. The storm, which struck with little warning, damaged at least 80 structures, including homes, public buildings, and churches.
Property worth millions of Naira was destroyed, alongside electricity poles, economic trees, and livestock. Eyewitnesses report widespread devastation, with many families losing everything they owned. The traditional ruler of Ukete Oduma, Igwe Patrick Oshiekwe, described the event as resembling a hurricane and appealed for urgent assistance from government authorities, corporate organizations, and individuals.
Igwe Oshiekwe, whose palace has become a temporary shelter for displaced families, emphasized the worsening situation as rain continues to fall on exposed roofs. “Everybody in the community is affected. I have never seen such destruction in my lifetime,” he said. He urged Governor Peter Mbah, Senator Osita Ngwu, and Chief Anayo Onwuegbu to intervene and support the community.
The town’s Union President General, Mr Jeremia Njoku, expressed shock at the scale of the disaster, noting that no one could identify its cause. While grateful that no lives were lost, he stressed the urgent need for government intervention. “Over eighty buildings were affected, and this is the worst disaster in our history,” he said. “We are living in fear.”
Affected residents, including Mr Ernest Nweze and Chief Ifeanyichukwu Akuatuegwu, recounted losing years of hard work and appealed for help. As of now, no government officials or agencies have visited the community to assess the damage or provide relief.
