A devastating rainstorm has destroyed approximately 100 houses in Tom Gangare community, Sopp Ward, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving hundreds of families displaced and without shelter. The incident occurred on Sunday following a sudden and intense downpour accompanied by strong winds that caused widespread damage to homes, health facilities, places of worship, and other critical infrastructure. Residents reported that the storm uprooted numerous trees, many of which fell directly onto residential buildings, significantly increasing the scale of destruction.
Mr. Bot Felix, a local resident, stated that property worth millions of naira was lost during the disaster, with many families losing their homes and personal belongings. He described the aftermath as chaotic, with debris scattered across the community and survivors struggling to find safe temporary shelter. The windstorm’s ferocity caught many residents off guard, leaving little time to evacuate or secure belongings before the damage unfolded.
Dung Danboyi, a community stakeholder, called the event tragic and urged immediate government and humanitarian intervention. He expressed relief that no lives were lost but emphasized the severe hardship faced by affected households, many of whom are now exposed to the elements without basic necessities. “The level of destruction is overwhelming. Many families have lost their homes and means of livelihood. We are appealing to government agencies, humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals to come to the aid of our people during this difficult time,” Danboyi said.
He specifically called on the Plateau State Government, the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, development partners, and other stakeholders to provide urgent relief materials and support. The Councillor representing Sopp Ward, Gwong Ibrahim, echoed these appeals, stressing the need for emergency assistance to help families secure temporary shelter, food, and medical care.
In response, the Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council, Sati Bature Shuwa, visited the community to assess the damage and sympathize with victims. He assured residents that efforts would be made to coordinate aid and support for those affected. Shuwa also announced that a comprehensive damage assessment would be conducted to determine the full extent of losses and guide appropriate government and agency interventions.
The incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of communities in Plateau State to extreme weather events, and the urgent need for disaster preparedness and resilience-building measures. As recovery efforts begin, the focus remains on providing immediate relief and long-term support to restore stability for the affected families.
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