Windstorm Destroys Church, Homes in Ebonyi Community, Worshippers Left Stranded

A heavy downpour accompanied by a violent windstorm has caused widespread destruction in Okpuitumo community, Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, leaving worshippers stranded after an Assemblies of God church was badly damaged.

The incident, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. at Gmelina Junction, ripped off the roof of the church and destroyed several nearby structures, including shops, in what residents described as a terrifying overnight storm.

Although no lives were lost, properties worth millions of naira were destroyed, plunging the community into shock and distress.

The affected church has since been rendered unusable, forcing members to hold services outdoors under harsh weather conditions.

Eyewitnesses said the storm also swept through surrounding buildings, blowing off roofs and damaging business premises in the area.

The pastor of the church, Rev Odorimo Moses, described the moment of the collapse as sudden and devastating.

“I was in the parsonage when I suddenly heard a loud noise. When I rushed out, I saw that the church building had already collapsed. The zinc, wood, and walls had all fallen flat. Church properties, including chairs, musical instruments, and the pulpit, were completely destroyed,” he said.

He appealed to the Ebonyi State Government led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, as well as other stakeholders, to urgently assist in rebuilding the church and supporting affected residents.

“We are now forced to worship under the rain and scorching sun,” he added.

Also affected was a resident, Mrs Uguru Nwadurunne, a widow whose home was severely damaged. She said valuables including food items and a 100kg bag of processed beans were destroyed in the storm.

She called for urgent government intervention to help victims recover from the losses.