Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has assured the victims of the June 16 rainstorm at Eika, Ihima, and other communities in Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) of the government’s immediate support and intervention.
Ododo gave the assurance on Monday through Deputy Gov. Joel Salifu, who visited the scene of the incident to inspect the extent of the damage.
He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the victims of the rainstorm.
He described it as “a catastrophic event”, which destroyed property valued at hundreds of millions of naira.
The governor also said that, having assessed the number of homes and property lost, “the government is committed to providing immediate relief to the affected individuals, to alleviate their hardship and restore their hope for a brighter future”.
He expressed his gratitude to the residents for their immense support of the Kogi Government and the APC, and assured them that his administration would not abandon them in their time of need.
Earlier, in a remark, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Muktar Atima, said that the rainstorm affected over 400 homes and destroyed property worth over N100 million.
He, therefore, urged both the State and Federal Governments to intervene swiftly and provide assistance to the victims.
Also, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Deedat Ozigi, expressed his appreciation to the governor for prioritising infrastructure development and the welfare of the people.
The Chairman of Okehi LGA, Mr Monday Amoka, conveyed the residents’ gratitude to the government for its promise to support the victims.
Amoka expressed appreciation for the construction of good roads in the area.
The people of the area pledged their support for Ododo’s re-election in 2027 “as a means of reciprocating his goodwill”.
Responding on behalf of the victims, Mr Yusuf Ihiovi, expressed gratitude to the governor and his team for their solidarity.
Ihiovi appealed for an urgent response to the needs of the affected families to quicken their recovery from the losses they suffered.
The governor and his entourage made a brief visit to the Palace of the Ohi of Okehi, Alhaji Ahmed Abdulraheem, and the Ezu of Egiri Clan, Mallam Suleiman Umar.
