The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, has paid a sympathy visit to the people of Ilupeju Ekiti in Oye Local Government where rainstorm wreaked havoc.

Egbeyemi who visited to assess the damage done by the natural disaster also sympathized with the people of the town for losing one resident and several property.

According to a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Odunayo Ogunmola, the Deputy Governor described the incident as unfortunate, noting that the state government was concerned about the plight of the people.

Egbeyemi who was accompanied by the General Manager of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Jide Borode and other government officials said the government would look into ways to assist the victims.

The rainstorm which occurred on Tuesday claimed one life and about 200 buildings including private residences, churches, schools and business centres in the community.

Ten residents were also hospitalised owing to injuries they suffered during the rainstorm.

The affected buildings had their roofs blown off while some of them had their walls completely collapsed by the impact of the rainstorm.

The situation has rendered many of the victims homeless as they have relocated to other parts of the town to put up with their friends and relations.

The worst-hit areas of the town include Ewo, Igesun, Odogba, Iremo, Ilugbo, Isasa, Ilidan, Ila and Ilese.

Egbeyemi said: “We are here on a fact-finding visit, and we sympathise with the people of Ilupeju Ekiti. This incident is very unfortunate and we pray it will not repeat itself here and in other parts of our dear state.

“We have come here to assess the level of damage done, to see how we can assist the victims. You can see the officials of SEMA on ground for that purpose.”

Many of the residents who are still in shock over the impact of the rainstorm called on the state government to assist them rebuild their damaged structures saying life has been difficult since the incident occurred.

SEMA GM, Mr. Borode said the agency has been receiving and collating evidences from victims for proper action.

A youth leader in the town, Mr. Sesan Oniyelu, expressed sadness on the havoc caused by the rainstorm, urging the state government to assist the victims.

He said: “We want to call on the state government led by our Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to assist us. The visit of the Deputy Governor is an indication that government is concerned with our situation.

“The rainstorm has inflicted a colossal damage on private individuals, families, businesses and corporate organisations. We want government to help our people return to their normal lives.

“Many of them have been displaced and rendered homeless. We plead with the government to act as soon as possible and we shall be very grateful if our request is granted.”