By Daniel Aondoaseer Zendesha 

Residents of Obi Local Government Area of Benue State are mourning following a devastating windstorm and heavy rainfall that reportedly caused widespread destruction across several communities. The disaster allegedly claimed the life of a local businesswoman, damaged homes and businesses, and obstructed movement in affected areas.

A severe windstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall has reportedly caused extensive destruction across several communities in Obi Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving residents counting losses and appealing for assistance.

According to a statement issued by the Obi Local Government Council, the storm uprooted numerous trees, damaged residential buildings and business premises, and disrupted movement in parts of the local government area.

The most tragic incident was reported in Obarike community along the Ogore axis, where a popular businesswoman allegedly lost her life after a large tree fell on her during the storm. Sources within the community said the victim died at the scene.

Residents described the deceased as a well-known entrepreneur who operated a restaurant business and maintained cordial relationships with members of the community. Her death has reportedly thrown family members, friends, customers and residents into mourning.

The disaster also affected transportation within the area. Fallen trees reportedly blocked the Secretariat Road around Ijanke community, creating significant obstruction and raising concerns among residents.

Speaking during an assessment visit to affected locations, the Executive Chairman of Obi Local Government Council, Hon. Silas Odeh Ahunye, expressed sadness over the incident and sympathised with victims and their families.

According to the chairman, the storm also affected him personally, damaging parts of the roof of his residence and sections of his Hilux vehicle.

Ahunye described the incident as one of the most severe natural disasters witnessed in the local government area in recent times and appealed for urgent intervention from emergency response agencies and humanitarian organisations.

In a show of solidarity, the Executive Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Hon. Jackson Ominyi, visited Obi to assess the situation and sympathise with affected residents.

Ominyi reportedly called on relevant authorities and emergency agencies to provide immediate support to victims, noting that the scale of destruction was unprecedented in his experience.

The Obi Council Chairman further appealed to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), humanitarian organisations and well-meaning individuals to assist residents affected by the disaster.

As of the time of filing this report, the full extent of the damage and the total number of affected households had not been independently verified.

The report was contained in a statement signed by Ekpe Emmanuel, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Chairman of Obi Local Government Council.