The people of Abavo Kingdom in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State have appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for urgent support over the recent windstorm which destroyed private and public property in the community.
The people of Abavo under the aegis of Awu Elites Club said the destruction was as a result of a devastating windstorm that struck Abavo Kingdom on March 11, 2025.
The storm, which followed a period of rainfall, left a trail of destruction across several communities including Ogbe-Idibon, Igbogili, Ekwueze, and Oyoko. Roofs of homes and public buildings were blown off, while electric poles, solar-powered street lights, and cash crops were severely damaged.
Though no lives were lost, some residents sustained injuries, requiring medical treatment. The unexpected storm has caused significant physical, psychological, and financial hardship for the affected communities, with many homes left exposed to the elements.
The destruction of electric infrastructure has also led to widespread power outages, leaving residents without electricity and street lighting at night.
In a statement by the President and Secretary-General of Awu Elites Club, Prince Frank Moses Jegberume and Mr. Emeke Oseki, praised the Governor for his ongoing infrastructural developments, particularly the construction of the Ogbe Isogban Road.
However, they appealed for urgent intervention to restore the damaged properties and provide relief to those affected by the disaster.
“This club wishes to draw the attention of our amiable Governor to a disaster that happened in our kingdom some few days ago. In the evening of Tuesday the 11th of March 2025, Abavo kingdom witnessed some rainfall. As the rain was subsiding, a windstorm swept across the kingdom and left in its wake, blown out roofs of individual homes and public buildings in different parts of the kingdom.
“Also destroyed were buildings, electric poles, solar-powered street lights and cash crops. The communities in Abavo that were seriously affected were Ogbe-Idibon, Igbogili, Ekwueze and Oyoko communities. Although to the glory of God no lives were lost, however some persons sustained injuries and they have had to receive medical treatments at different medical facilities in Abavo.
“Furthermore, many of the people whom the roofs of their homes were blown out have been left stranded. The unexpected nature of the incident coupled with the huge cost implications of fixing the damaged properties have led to a situation where many of those homes affected are yet to be fixed, thus exposing the occupants to the vagaries of the weather and to potential criminals who might want to capitalise on the opportunity to invade their homes.
“The fallen electric poles have led to blackouts in the areas affected while the areas where the street lights were damaged are no longer illuminated at
night.
“Based on the foregoing, we wish to appeal to Your Excellency to intervene by bringing aid, relief and succour to our people in these trying times. The damage caused by the windstorm has left serious physical, psychological and financial strain on the people and communities affected.
“This club felt compelled to intervene at this point as one of its modest contributions to see to the restoration of the properties that were destroyed by the windstorm. While we look forward to
receiving a favourable response from you, kindly accept the assurances of our highest regards”, the statement.
