LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A family of nine has been rendered homeless following the rainstorm in Inen Ikot Offiong, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
It was gathered that the incident, which affected the family of one Ifiok Monday Udo occurred while the entire family was in the farm.
Narrating the incident amid tears, Mr. Ifiok Monday Udo, a father of seven children said the rain which was accompanied by wild storm and thunder uprooted a coconut tree beside the house and destroyed the entire building leaving them homeless.
“The rainstorm was very severe that it blew down the coconut tree standing near my small hut that shelters me and my entire household of seven children. If the incident had occurred in the night, we would have been wiped away as the coconut just fell on top of the middle of the roof destroying the entire house.
“But thank God! We were in the farm. Even now that we survived, where do we put our heads?” he cried.
Ifiok, an average man who always work in people’s farm for money, said he has no hope of building another house as he can not afford building materials.
“Since the incident happened on Saturday, we survived through the mercy of neighbours who gave us food because all our utensils and small foodstuffs we kept in the house have been destroyed.
“Is it how I will survive with my family? I don’t know where to start now. Last night we slept in church and today after service, the owner of the church ask us not to come back this night as there is a program.
“Even our clothes and other valuables have been submerged in ruins of the fallen house. Not even clothes to wear except the one I wore while in the farm. Please help me.”
Meanwhile, the community development union has urged members to send their token as a temporary relief for the victims.
The Public Relations Officer, Mr. Anyanime Umoren, appealed to indigenes and other philanthropists to render help and rehabilitate the victim and entire family.
“Please I am appealing to all of us to rise and support one of our Brothers from Inen Ikot Offiong, Mr Ifiok Monday Udo whose house was destroyed two days ago by wind and thunder storm.
“Mr. Ifiok, the wife with over seven children were fortunate not to be in this hut when this sad incident happened. As at Now, Mr Ifiok, his wife and children have no place to lay thier heads.
“I am appealing to every generous Inen man and other philanthropists to rise up to help so that we can put a roof over the head of this family,” he pleaded.
