Gabriel Enenche —
The tragedy struck Ikare-Akoko, the seat of the northeast Akoko local government area in Ondo state, following the death of a popular butcher in the community in a storm.
The heavy downpour that lasted about 40 minutes left many people homeless as the storm destroyed houses.
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The areas most affected by the disaster were Ilepa, Okela and part of the neighborhoods of Okoja in the old city.
The deceased butcher identified simply as ‘Ayepareti’ was said to have lost his life while taking cover from the rain at a home in Okela when the unfortunate incident occurred.
The building was said to have collapsed on him and he was rushed to hospital where his death was confirmed.
According to a community leader, Ibrahim Kilani, the torrential rain that started after 7pm was accompanied by heavy hailstorms.
For his part, the president of the Ikare Akoko Elders Forum, Elder James Oladetohun, who was sympathetic to the victims, asked the government to come to their aid.