Windstorm leaves hundreds homeless in Edo communities
More than 2,000 residents have been displaced after a wind and rainstorm struck three communities in Akoko Edo Local Government Area. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that 179 houses were damaged, affecting hundreds of households. The disaster also destroyed public infrastructure and forced many victims, especially women and children, to seek shelter elsewhere. NEMA described the destruction as severe and called for urgent humanitarian aid.
What happened
- The windstorm hit Eroke Atte, Ukwa Erekpe, and Okagba communities on February 1, 2026, at about 5pm, according to a preliminary assessment by NEMA.
- In a report dated February 6, 2026, NEMA’s Benin Operations Office confirmed 179 residential buildings were damaged, impacting 337 households and 2,022 people.
- The disaster destroyed about 12 electricity poles, a primary school, a health care centre, and economic trees vital to residents’ livelihoods.
- Many affected persons, mostly women and children, are now staying with relatives in neighbouring communities.
- NEMA said the destruction is severe and that the affected communities urgently need humanitarian assistance.
