Hundreds of residents have been displaced after a devastating rainstorm destroyed more than 50 houses in Tom Gangare community, Sopp Ward of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The disaster occurred on Saturday following a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds that ripped off rooftops, uprooted trees, and damaged public infrastructure across the community.
Community leaders said no lives were lost in the incident, but the destruction left many families homeless and exposed to harsh weather conditions.
A community stakeholder, Dung Danboyi, described the incident as devastating, noting that homes, health facilities, places of worship, and other public structures were affected by the storm.
“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 spirited individuals to come to the aid of our people during this difficult time,” he said.
Danboyi called on the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and other humanitarian organisations to provide relief materials and emergency support to affected residents.
According to him, more than 50 households were impacted by the disaster, with many victims currently lacking shelter, food, and other basic necessities.
The councillor representing Sopp Ward, Gwong Ibrahim, also appealed for urgent intervention to alleviate the hardship faced by affected families.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Riyom Local Government Area, Hon. Sati Shuwa, visited the community to assess the extent of the destruction and sympathise with victims.
Shuwa assured residents that efforts would be made to facilitate assistance and support for those affected. He added that the local government would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage to help relevant agencies respond appropriately.
Residents said several large trees were uprooted during the storm and fell on homes, worsening the destruction across the community.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of rural communities to extreme weather events, particularly during the rainy season.
It comes barely a year after a similar rainstorm destroyed more than 70 houses and barns in Mabudi, Sabon Gida, and other communities in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Riyom disaster also occurred days after a violent windstorm and heavy rainfall swept through parts of Obi Local Government Area of Benue State, destroying homes, business premises, and public infrastructure.
Residents of Tom Gangare have appealed for urgent assistance, including temporary shelter, roofing materials, food supplies, and other relief items as they begin efforts to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.
As of the time of filing this report, neither SEMA nor NEMA had issued an official statement on the disaster.