A powerful rainstorm has caused severe damage in Okpuitumo Community, located within Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, leaving destruction in its wake and displacing worshippers after a church structure was badly affected. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, around 3:00 a.m., at Gmelina Junction, where intense rainfall accompanied by strong winds tore through buildings in the area. Despite the scale of destruction, no casualties were reported. Residents woke to a shocking scene as the storm ripped off the roof of an Assemblies of God Church, rendering the structure unusable. The impact has left members without a proper place of worship, forcing them to gather outdoors under difficult weather conditions. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the damage extended beyond the church premises. Several nearby shops also suffered significant losses, with roofs blown away and goods exposed to the elements. The presiding Pastor, Rev. Odorimo Moses, recounted the terrifying moment the disaster unfolded. According to him, the building gave way between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. during the peak of the storm. He explained that he was inside the parsonage when a sudden loud crash drew his attention. Upon stepping outside, he discovered that the church had already collapsed. Structural components including roofing sheets, wooden supports, and walls were completely brought down. Essential church items such as chairs, musical equipment, and the pulpit were also destroyed. Describing the situation as heartbreaking, the pastor called on the Ebonyi State Government, led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, alongside other public officials and concerned individuals, to provide urgent assistance for rebuilding efforts. He further expressed concern over the current condition of the congregation, stating that members now hold services in open spaces, exposed to rain and intense sunlight. A local resident, Mrs. Uguru Nwadurunne, who was also affected by the storm, shared her ordeal. The widow revealed that her home sustained heavy damage after the roof was blown off. She added that valuable items, including a large quantity of processed beans, food supplies, and household belongings, were destroyed during the incident. She appealed to authorities for immediate support to help her family recover from the losses. The event highlights the increasing vulnerability of communities to extreme weather conditions, emphasizing the need for improved structural resilience and timely emergency response systems.
