Otukpo rainstorm: Mayor appeals for urgent aid as residents sleep outside

A two-hour rainstorm has caused widespread destruction in the ancient town of Otukpo in Benue State, leaving many homes damaged, electricity installations destroyed, and large parts of the town in darkness.

The heavy rainfall, which residents initially welcomed as the first rain of the year late Friday night, quickly turned disastrous as floods swept through several neighbourhoods, damaging houses and displacing residents.

A resident of the Asa axis of the town, Fred Adoyi, whose home was affected, lamented the scale of the devastation.

“The destruction is unbelievable. Over 100 houses, business places and electricity installations were destroyed. As I speak with you now, there is no light in Otukpo,” he said.

In a message to the people, the Mayor of Otukpo, Chief Aloga Ogbogo, expressed deep concern over the situation and conveyed the sympathies of the town’s traditional leadership, including that of the Och’Idoma, HRM Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji.

“What we had all welcomed as the first rain of the year — a sign of relief from the intense heat and the beginning of a new planting season — has unfortunately brought unexpected hardship to many households within our community,” the mayor said.

According to the statement, several homes and properties built through years of hard work were destroyed by flooding triggered by the intense downpour, leaving some residents without shelter.

“Several homes have been damaged, businesses disrupted, and properties built through years of dedication and hard work destroyed by the flooding caused by the heavy rainfall. Sadly, many of our neighbours have been left without shelter as a result of this disaster,” Ogbogo said.

The mayor noted that the traditional institution shares in the pain of affected families and pledged continued support for relief efforts.

“To those who have lost their homes, businesses, or sense of security, please know that we stand with you in this difficult moment. No one should have to watch their livelihood swept away in a single evening,” he said.

“I assure you that the traditional institution shares deeply in your pain and remains committed to supporting every effort aimed at bringing relief and recovery to our people,” he added.

While lamenting the scale of destruction, Chief Ogbogo said the situation was beyond what local resources alone could handle and called for urgent intervention from higher authorities.

“It is unfortunately beyond what our local resources alone can adequately address. We therefore appeal to the Benue State Government and the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), for immediate intervention,” he said.

He appealed for emergency relief materials, including food items, blankets, and temporary shelter materials for displaced families.

The mayor also called for the urgent expansion and rehabilitation of drainage systems in the town to prevent future flooding as the rainy season intensifies, as well as the establishment of a special intervention fund to assist affected traders and homeowners in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.

He further advised residents to take preventive measures to reduce future occurrences, urging them to clear gutters and drainage channels around homes and business premises to allow the free flow of water.

“We must also avoid taking shelter under weak structures or large trees during storms and report severe cases of displacement or damage to the Local Government Secretariat so that assistance can be properly coordinated,” he said.

Ogbogo, however, expressed confidence that the town would overcome the disaster.

“Otukpo has always been known for its resilience and unity. We have faced challenges before, and by standing together and supporting one another, we will rebuild our community stronger and better,” he added.