Hundreds of residents have been displaced following a devastating windstorm that tore through five communities in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The disaster, which occurred on Friday, May 2, 2025, left a trail of destruction across homes, schools, and public infrastructure.
The affected communities include Ikot Otu, Uruk Uso, Uyo Road, Abak Road, and Aya Road. In Ikot Otu alone, over 300 households were displaced, with reports of homes, places of worship, farmlands, and public facilities being extensively damaged.
The Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, was among the worst-hit institutions. The storm destroyed several blocks of classrooms, the administrative building, the e-library, and the generator house. A student reportedly sustained injuries during the incident, prompting the school’s management to postpone resumption for non-examination classes until further notice.
In response to the disaster, officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency (AKSEMA), conducted a rapid on-the-spot assessment to determine the extent of the damage. The assessment team was led by Mrs. Mmandu Aisueni, Acting Head of NEMA’s Uyo Operations Office.
During the assessment, community leaders including the Village Council Chairman of Ikot Otu, Mr. Support Udo Udom Afang, expressed appreciation for the swift response of emergency agencies. He appealed to the federal and state governments for urgent assistance to support displaced families and help rebuild the affected areas.
The Chairperson of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, also visited the affected communities to sympathize with victims and assured them of the council’s commitment to providing relief materials and coordinating reconstruction efforts.
Meanwhile, NEMA has assured residents that plans are underway to provide immediate relief, including food supplies, bedding materials, and temporary shelter for those displaced by the storm. The agency also emphasized the need for early warning systems and disaster preparedness, particularly as the rainy season sets in.
As efforts continue to bring relief to victims and rebuild affected structures, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories issued during adverse weather conditions.
