Benue: Mayor appeals for urgent aid as rainstorm wreaks havoc in Otukpo

2026-03-16 - 04:27

By Peter Duru, Makurdi A two-hour rainstorm has caused widespread destruction in the ancient town of Otukpo in Benue state, leaving homes ruined, electricity installations destroyed, and large parts of the town in darkness. The heavy rainfall, which many residents initially welcomed as the first rain of the year late Friday night, quickly turned into a disaster as flood swept through several neighborhoods, damaging houses, and displacing residents. A victim whose house was affected in Asa axis of the town, Fred Adoyi lamented the development saying “the devastation in unbelievable, over 100 houses, business places and electricity installations were destroyed. And as I speak with you there is no light in Otukpo.” 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. Some residents were also left without shelter after the storm. “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. He assured 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. “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 extent of damage suffered by victims, Chief Ogbogo said “it is unfortunately beyond what our local resources alone can adequately address. We are therefore making an urgent appeal to the Benue state government and the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA for immediate intervention.” He urged for emergency relief through the povision of food items, blankets, and temporary shelter materials for displaced families. “As well as urgent expansion and rehabilitation of drainage systems within the town to prevent future flooding as the rainy season intensifies. And the establishment of a special intervention fund to assist affected traders and homeowners in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.” Advising residence to take step to check future occurances, Chief Ogbogo called for vigilance, and urged that “gutters and drainage channels around homes and business premises be cleared to allow for 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 urgent assistance can be properly coordinated.” He noted that “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.”