From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A heavy rainstorm on Saturday, wreaked havoc at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, damaging key facilities and properties worth millions of naira.
The rainstorm, which began around 4:30 p.m., was accompanied by violent winds that tore through several structures, disrupted camp activities, and left extensive damage across the camp.
Speaking with journalists the Kwara State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Joshua, described the incident as a “very devastating natural phenomenon” but expressed gratitude to God that no lives were lost.
According to him, the affected structures include the Administrative Block, the Multipurpose Hall, the Camp Mosque, the camp market, and some hostel blocks housing corps members and officials.
He also revealed that two vehicles belonging to camp officials were badly damaged after an uprooted tree fell on them.
Onifade said an immediate assessment of the damage was carried out and relevant government authorities were promptly informed.
He added that the Kwara State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Shehu Usman, and the Etsu of Tsaragi, HRH Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi, had visited the camp to assess the situation and show solidarity with the NYSC family.
Despite the widespread destruction, the NYSC Coordinator maintained that the safety of corps members and staff remains the most important.
“We have cause to thank God, no loss of life. The corps members are safe and well accommodated,” he said.
The NYSC management is expected to work with relevant agencies to carry out necessary repairs and restore normal activities at the camp.