By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Abuja
ABUJA: Tears and disbelief trailed a devastating rainstorm that tore through several communities in Abuja on Wednesday night, leaving behind shattered roofs, crumbled walls, and displaced families.
The storm, which lasted for hours, struck areas including Apo, Jabi, Karmo and the densely populated Daki Biyu village in Jabi, causing extensive damage to homes, churches, schools, and makeshift businesses. In some communities like Chefuyi, over 50 houses were reportedly affected.
While no lives were lost, residents described the experience as terrifying and overwhelming, with many still struggling to salvage personal belongings from the ruins of their homes.
“I was shocked seeing the roof of my house pulled off completely,” said Oga Christopher, a resident of Apo. “But since there is life, by the grace of God, I will fix it again.”
At the Apo Mechanic area, a fully furnished seven-room self-contained apartment collapsed entirely under the force of the storm, leaving its occupants homeless and bewildered.
In Daki Biyu, the storm’s fury was felt around the Wazobia axis and the nearby market where several houses suffered partial destruction. A resident, who chose to remain anonymous, said, “Honestly, I thank God. It’s property that was destroyed, not human beings.”
Madam Monica Ibekwe, whose two-bedroom apartment in Apo was badly hit, recalled watching helplessly as the roof of her home was blown away. “I couldn’t do anything,” she said, her voice quivering. “I just stood there watching the rainstorm destroy everything. I don’t know where to start, but I thank God I’m alive.”
As residents begin to clear debris and search for temporary shelter, many are calling on emergency management agencies and relevant authorities to come to their aid, warning that further rainfalls could worsen the already fragile situation.