The Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, alongside the Vice Chairman, Hon (Mrs) Gloria Amamosa-Onyeagbor, on Wednesday, visited Abavo to ascertain the extent of damages to property caused by a windstorm that ravaged some parts of the community Tuesday evening.
The council boss undertook a tour of the majorly affected areas of Ogbe Idibon, Ekwueze, Oyoko Market and Igbogili, where he took appraisal of what happened.
Speaking to newsmen shortly afterwards, Engr. Ehiwarior, who was visibly moved by the widespread and devastating destructions across the community, expressed happiness that no life was lost to the windstorm.
He said that he had to go promptly to the community immediately he was informed of the incident, but was surprised with the level of destruction of the residential buildings, cash crops crops and electricity installations especially streetlights which he described as mind-boggling.
The Chairman lamented the pains and anguish of the affected families, some of whom had the entire roof of their buildings blown off by the windstorm, which, he noted, was rare in communities in Ika South Local Government Area.
He said the government was not unmindful of the trauma and emotional toll the sad occurrence was having on those affected, and expressed the hope that such would not happen again in Abavo or other communities in Ika South Local Government Area.
He commiserated with the Abavo monarch, His Royal Majesty, Uche Irenuma 11, and the people of Abavo Kingdom particularly those whose buildings and means of livelihood were touched by the windstorm.
Some of the affected persons, include Mr. Benson Igwede, Mrs Romina Onyeario, Mr. John Bello, Mrs Victoria Emelenjor, Mr. Monday Ojere and Mr. Amechi Ojoh, said they were surprised at the severity of the storm which they said lasted for about 20 minutes.
They explained that what started as a normal drizzle later turned to a ravaging storm that left in its trail destruction and hopelessness for them.
They, however, expressed gratitude to God that nobody was hurt, and thanked the council chairman and his team for the prompt decision taken to identify with them.
They solicited for the assistance of the government and public spirited individuals to mitigate their losses.
Also affected was the popular Oyoko Market and the ongoing Abavo Indigenous Teachers Association (AITA) building project, which was at an advanced stage of completion.