A devastating windstorm triggered by a heavy downpour has destroyed an Assemblies of God Church building and several properties in Okpuitumo Community, Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday at Gmelina Junction, left residents in shock after roofs were torn off buildings and valuables worth millions of naira were destroyed. Fortunately, no lives were lost.
The affected church was severely damaged, with its roof blown off and the structure rendered completely unusable. As a result, members of the congregation have been forced to hold services outdoors, exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Eyewitnesses reported that the storm also impacted nearby shops and residential buildings, causing widespread destruction across the area.
Speaking on the incident, the Pastor in charge of the church, Rev. Odorimo Moses, described the experience as traumatic.
“I was in the parsonage when I suddenly heard a loud noise. When I rushed out, I discovered that the church building had collapsed.
The zinc, wood, and walls were all flattened. Church properties, including chairs, musical instruments, and the pulpit, were completely destroyed,” he said.
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Rev. Moses appealed to the Ebonyi State Government, led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, as well as other well-meaning individuals, to support the rebuilding of the church.
“We are now forced to worship under the rain and scorching sun,” he added.
Also recounting her ordeal, a resident, Mrs. Uguru Nwadurunne, lamented the damage to her home.
The widow revealed that her roof was blown off during the storm, destroying food items and valuables, including a 100kg bag of processed beans.
She called on government authorities and humanitarian organizations to provide urgent assistance to affected families.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities to extreme weather conditions and the need for improved disaster response and support systems.
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