Cars, buildings destroyed as rainstorm wreaks havoc at NYSC camp in Kwara

A heavy rainstorm has destroyed properties and structures at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The downpour which began around 4:30 pm Saturday accompanied by a violent wind tore through the facility and battered key infrastructures across the camp.

It also disrupted camp activities and damaged numerous other facilities including cars estimated at several millions of naira.

Some of the corp members who spoke to Daily Trust lamented the situation but expressed gratitude for their safety.

Speaking on the destruction, state Coordinator of NYSC in Kwara State, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, described the event as “a natural phenomenon” and “very devastating.”

He expressed gratitude that despite the scale of destruction, there was no loss of life.

“It was a terrible rainstorm that wrecked several camp facilities,” Mr. Onifade stated.

Detailing the extent of the damage, he said, “The roof of the Administrative Block was destroyed, the Multipurpose Hall was partially affected, the Camp Mosque was impacted, and the camp market suffered considerable damage as well. Some hostel blocks housing corps members and officials were not spared either.”

He further confirmed that two vehicles belonging to camp officials were completely wreaked when “a large tree was uprooted by the fierce winds and crashed onto them crushing two cars owned by camp officials,” he noted.

He disclosed that the state commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Shehu Ndanusa Usman and the Etsu of Tsaraji, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi have visited the camp for solidarity and conducted an on-site verification of the damage.

Despite the enormous material loss, the Coordinator emphasized gratitude for the safety of all corps members and staff.

“We have cause to thank God that there was no loss of life. The corp members are safe and well accommodated,” he stressed.